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Outstanding Documented U.S. Colt Model 1873 Single Action Artillery Revolver with Letters from The C

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,500.00 USD Estimated At:7,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Outstanding Documented U.S. Colt Model 1873 Single Action Artillery Revolver with Letters from The C
This revolver comes with letters from M.S. Huber, Colt Historian and John A. Kopec, noted author and Colt expert. The Huber letter shows the factory record of this revolver shows the ship date of Feb 13, 1903, when it was handed over to the Springfield Armory following the "Artillery" style refit and refurbishment performed on so many government revolvers. The Kopec letter goes into further detail, identifying the frame of the revolver as having originally been a civilian gun, that was either A) a private purchase replacement for a Colt revolver lost or destroyed in the field or B) was lumped in with a grouping of military guns at the factory during the acceptance process, possibly to replace an arm considered defective. Kopec concludes that Scenario A is the most likely. The revolver has the standard Model 1873 finish with blued barrel, ejector rod, cylinder, trigger guard, and backstrap. The frame, hammer, and loading gate have a casehardened finish. The stocks are oiled walnut. The revolver has the mixed serial numbers found on most Model 1873 Artillery alterations. The frame is numbered "66555", the trigger guard "94860" and the backstrap "48437". The cylinder is an unnumbered replacement stamped "R.A.C." on the rear face. The barrel has the elongated block Hartford address and is stamped with a "P" proof. "K" Colt sub-inspection mark and "45" just ahead of the frame; the barrel has no visible serial number. The left side of the frame has the Colt three dates in three lines patent markings. The right side of the stock is stamped with the Ordnance inspector's script initials "RAC" in a rectangle. "R.A.C." is also stamped in small block letters on the buttstock heels. The ejector rod head is the oval pattern.
BBL: 5 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Long Colt
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 66555
Condition: Excellent, with 95% of the bright original high polish Colt blue and 80% plus of the casehardened finish, showing minor edge wear and thinning of the backstrap finish. The frame, hammer and loading gate retain most of the casehardened finish with vivid casehardening colors. All of the markings are very sharp. The grips are in very fine to excellent condition, with sharp inspection marks. Mechanically excellent. An outstanding, well documented Colt Model 1873 Artillery revolver with unusual commercial frame.