2012

RARE, VERY EARLY AINSWORTH INSPECTED COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH EXPOSED SERIAL NU

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:6,250.00 USD Estimated At:12,500.00 - 17,500.00 USD
RARE, VERY EARLY AINSWORTH INSPECTED COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH EXPOSED SERIAL NU
SN 386. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2" bbl, full front sight and 1-line script address that has broken "O" in "Co" and broken "A" in "HARTFORD" with a broken tail in "C" in "CT". Left side of frame has 2-line, 2-patent dates and a small "U.S.". Ejector housing is first type with bull's eye ejector rod head and base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. Mounted with replacement 1-pc walnut grip that is marked "1 B" and "84" with a large "NY" (1st Battalion, rack #84). Bottom right of grip has "RAC" (Rinaldo A. Carr) sub-inspector initials and no visible cartouches. This indicates that this revolver was one of the 800 Cavalry revolvers recalled and refurbished by Colt in 1895 for issue to the New York State Militia. The toe of the buttstrap was radiused during the rebuild as the revolver in this serial range originally had sharp toes which the troops in the field did not like because they were uncomfortable to shoot and wore their holsters very quickly. Hammer is later type with short checkered panel on the spur and has the concave firing pin and is fire-blued, as is found on a number of New York State Militia issued revolvers. Various parts including bbl, cyl, trigger guard & backstrap are stamped with a tiny "A", the inspector initial of Orville W. Ainsworth. This revolver is one of the very few with exposed bbl SN. According to Colt Cavalry and Artillery Revolvers...A Continuing Study, Kopec & Fenn, this revolver is documented and listed by SN as having been issued to Company B, 1st U.S. Cavalry. The 1st U.S. Cavalry is one of the most famous and decorated Cavalry Units to ever take the field prior to and during the Indian wars. They were formed in 1833 in Missouri, fought in the Mexican War and were assigned to California in 1856 where they had continuing skirmishes with local Indians. They fought throughout the Civil War both in the East & in New Mexico & Arizona. They returned to California in January 1866 and participated in a number of fights with the Indians throughout Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon, Washington & Wyoming with 18 officers, NCO's & troopers earning the Medal of Honor. In 1877 they participated in the Nez Perce War, 1878 the Bannock War in Idaho and in 1881 fought the Apaches in Arizona and even chased them into Sonora, Mexico. In 1884 they were assigned to the Dept. of Dakota and were stationed at Fort Custer and from 1886-1918 at Fort Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming. They continued fighting the Indians until all hostiles had been subdued. Undoubtedly right up until the time that this revolver was recalled in 1893, it was in use from its issue until recall, fighting hostile Indians. CONDITION: Very good, all matching except grip, as noted. Bbl retains about 60% refurbished blue showing light wear with the balance flaked; ejector housing retains bright blue in gullets and has a blue/gray patina on outer radius; frame retains traces of case colors being mostly faded to silver; cyl retains dark blue in the flutes, being a gray patina on outer diameter; hammer retains most of its fire blue on sides with the top & rear edges blue/brown patina; trigger guard & backstrap retain strong blue in sheltered areas with the front & back straps blue/gray patina. Both sides of frame and shoulders of trigger guard have vice marks. Grip is sound showing light edge wear and retains much of its orig oil finish with handworn patina. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a few scattered small spots of pitting. 4-48804 JR361