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O.W. Ainsworth Inspected Colt Model 1873 Cavalry Single Action Revolver with Kopec Letter

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:16,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
O.W. Ainsworth Inspected Colt Model 1873 Cavalry Single Action Revolver with Kopec Letter
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Estimate: $16000 - 25000
Manufacturer: Colt Model: Single Action
U.S. Colt Model 1873 Cavalry Revolver manufactured in 1874 and inspected by Ordinance Sub-Inspector O.W. Ainsworth. The revolver has traces of the original blue, casehardened finish and is fitted with the original one-piece walnut grip. The revolver has the early style ejector housing with barrel boss and bull's-eye ejector rod head, Cavalry pattern hammer with elongated cross hatching on the spur and cylinder with small bolt stops and guides. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the early script address "+COLT'S P.T. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.+" with a slanted cross on either end. The left side of the frame is stamped with the Colt two-line patent marking "PAT. SEPT. 18. 1871/PAT. JULY, 2, 1872" followed by the "U.S." property mark. A "C" Colt inspection mark is stamped in the hammer well. The loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "110". A "P" proofmark is stamped on the underside of the barrel and on the side of the cylinder. The small "A" mark of sub-inspector O.W. Ainsworth is stamped on the underside of the barrel below the proofmark, on the trigger guard, back strap and the side of the cylinder. Traces of the Ordnance inspection mark are visible on the lower left side of the grip. The full serial number "8134" is located on the barrel beneath the ejector housing, on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. All of the serial numbers on these components match. The cylinder is 4 numbers off and stamped with the serial number "8138". The proximity of the serial numbers and the fact that Colt shipped Model 1873 Cavalry Revolvers in box lots of 50 with consecutive serial numbers, indicates that the original cylinder was inadvertently switched at the unit level, probably during cleaning. The revolver is complete with a letter of authentication by Colt expert John A. Kopec, the co-author of "A STUDY OF THE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER". The Kopec letter states that the revolver is completely authentic and that the cylinder was probably "field mixed".
BBL: 7-1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Long Colt
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 8134
Condition:
Very good plus. The revolver has traces of the original blue finish on the barrel on either side of the front sight and in the portions of the barrel protected by the ejector housing. The balance of the revolver has an untouched brown aged patina with small patches of surface rust and scattered light pitting. The cylinder rod has the correct indented tip with wrench marks on the sides. The screw heads show moderate battering. The top of the frame and hammer have some small dents that appear to have been caused by using the revolver as a hammer. The walnut grip is good and the right side shows light wear. The left side has a chip on the lower front corner and the edge of the left heel has been slightly cut down and lightly carved with the initials "W.P.J.". The action is tight but the hammer will not hold at the half-cock position. This a totally authentic example of an early production Indian War, Colt Model 1873 Cavalry Revolver in original condition.