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Outstanding D.F.C. Inspected U.S. Colt Model 1873 Cavalry Single Action Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:9,000.00 USD Estimated At:18,000.00 - 27,500.00 USD
Outstanding D.F.C. Inspected U.S. Colt Model 1873 Cavalry Single Action Revolver
This very fine Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Revolver was manufactured in 1880. The revolver has a military blue barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and backstrap with casehardened hammer, frame and loading gate. The screws and trigger have a niter blue finish. The one piece walnut stock is oil finished. The revolver has a 'bull's-eye' ejector rod head and cavalry style hammer with elongated knurling on the spur. The full serial number, "54910", is located on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and backstrap. The partial serial number "4910" is stamped on the barrel beneath the ejector housing and on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the 'Style III, Bold Block Letter' address with a broken "T" in the "PT" abbreviation and a double line beneath the "o" in "Co". The Style III address has been observed on revolvers with serial numbers as high as 55677. The underside of the barrel is stamped with a "P" proofmark perpendicular to the bore and a "D.F.C." sub-inspection mark parallel to the bore. "C" and "G" inspection marks are stamped on the underside of the barrel just below the ejector housing stud. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt 'Three-date/Three-line' patent marks. The "U.S." property mark is stamped on the frame immediately behind the patent dates. "D.F.C." sub-inspection marks are stamped on the frame above the serial number, on the side of the cylinder and on the right stock heel. A "P" proofmark is stamped on the side of the cylinder. The rear face of the cylinder is stamped with "T" and "B" sub-inspection marks between the cylinders. An "S" Colt sub-inspection mark is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole. The inside of the loading gate is marked with the assembly number "2629". The left side of the stock is stamped with the date "1880" above the script initials "DAL" (Ordnance Inspector, LT. David A. Lyle) in an oval. The opposite side of the stock is stamped with the script initials "DFC" (Ordnance Sub-Inspector David A. Clark) in a rectangle with rounded ends.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Long Colt
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 54910


Very fine. The revolver retains approximately 80% of the original blue and 75% casehardened finish. The 'feathered' polishing marks are clearly visible on either side of the front sight blade and the ejector housing stud. The blue finish is thin on the left side of the barrel and there is light holster wear on the barrel muzzle and on the front edge of the ejector housing. The cylinder has most of the military blue finish with the majority of wear concentrated on the edges of the face, flutes and bolt stops. The contact points of the grip straps have faded to a gray-brown patina but most of the original blue finish is present on the backstrap top and butt and on the trigger guard bow and bottom. The frame and hammer have strong case colors. The case colors on the loading gate and recoil shield have faded to a silver-gray patina. Most of the niter blue finish remains on the trigger and screws. The hammer is a replacement. All of the factory markings, serial numbers, Ordnance proofs and inspection marks are sharp. The action is crisp and functions perfectly. There is an old, 1/4-inch chip in the left front stock heel but the stock is in very fine overall condition. The "1880" inspection date and "DAL" and "DFC" inspection marks on the sides and bottom of the stock are clear and fully legible. Relatively few Cavalry Model revolvers retain the original finish and configuration. Fewer still are found with the high degree of original finish present on this revolver. This is an outstanding example of an original Colt Cavalry Model Single Action revolver that was manufactured early enough to have been issued to the U.S. Cavalry during the Indian Wars.