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Colt Model 1873 Single Action Artillery Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,750.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Colt Model 1873 Single Action Artillery Revolver
This is a very fine example of a U.S. Colt Model 1873 Revolver with "Artillery" modifications performed by Colt in 1901. This revolver is one of 5,444 "Artillery Model" Model 1873 Single Action Revolvers refurbished by Colt for the U.S. Army between 1900 and 1903. These revolvers have components with mixed serial numbers and were intended for issue to troops in the Philippine Islands as replacements for the ineffective Colt Model 1896 DA Revolver. The revolver has the Colt high polish, commercial, blue finish on the barrel, ejector housing cylinder, trigger guard and backstrap. The frame, loading gate and hammer have a color casehardened finish. The one-piece walnut grip is oil-finished. The bottom of the frame is stamped with the serial number "54342" and the Ordnance "D.F.C." initials of Ordnance Sub-Inspector David F. Clarks which indicates the frame was manufactured in 1880. The left side of the frame is stamped with the Colt 'three-date/three-line" patent marking followed by the "U.S." property mark. An "H" Colt inspection mark is stamped in the hammer slot. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the one-line, "elongated block" address: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.". The underside of the barrel is stamped with the original "J.T.C." Ordnance Inspector's initials and two "P' proofmarks; the barrel serial number is located under the ejector housing. The side of the cylinder is stamped with the partial serial number, "9657", a "W" and a "P" proofmark. The rear face of the cylinder is stamped with a "P" proofmark and "T" and "K" Colt inspection marks. The loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "866". The trigger guard and backstrap are both serial numbered "137177" and stamped with "K" sub-inspection marks. The left side of the grip is stamped with the date "1901" above a rectangle enclosing the script initials "OCH" of Ordnance Inspector Odus C. Horney. The right side of the grip is stamped with the script initials "RAC" (Ordnance Sub-Inspector Rinaldo A. Carr) in a rectangle. A small "R.A.C. sub-inspection marks is stamped on the left grip heel. The revolver has the correct, late pattern, ejector rod head and original cavalry hammer with elongated checkering on the spur.
BBL: 5 1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Long Colt
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 54342


Very fine. The revolver retains nearly 90% of the blue and casehardened finish. Most of the finish wear is concentrated on the side of the ejector tube. There is some minor holster wear on the barrel at the muzzle and the cylinder has some edge wear on front and rear face. The balance of the blue finish is shows only minor handling marks. The frame hammer and loading gate have 90% of the casehardened finish applied when the revolver was re-furbished in 1901; the case colors are vivid. The trigger has nearly all of the fiery niter blue finish and there are strong amounts of niter blue on the frame screws. The grip is in excellent condition with extremely crisp inspection marks and only very minor handling wear. The markings are crisp. The action is tight and functions perfectly. This is an exceptional example of a U.S. Colt Model 1873 Single Action Artillery Revolver.