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Scarce A. P. Casey Inspected U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry Model Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:15,000.00 USD Estimated At:30,000.00 - 60,000.00 USD
Scarce A. P. Casey Inspected U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry Model Revolver
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This Indian War era U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver was manufactured in 1875. This revolver is one of the Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolvers in the serial number range from 16433-19529 that were inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector A. P. Casey. The revolver has the Colt military blue finish on the barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The frame, hammer and loading gate are color casehardened. The one-piece walnut grips have an oil finish. The first style ejector housing has the secondary barrel boss that fits in a corresponding hole in the barrel and "bullseye" ejector rod head. The hammer has the cavalry style elongated checkering on the spur. The rack number "5" is stamped on the right side of the grip at the junction of the back strap and the frame and on the lower right side of the frame ahead of the trigger guard bow. The barrel is roll stamped with the early "Script" address: "+COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.+" with a slanted cross at either end of the address. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt "Two-Date/Two-Line" patent marking followed by the "U.S." property mark. The assembly number "479" is stamped on the loading gate. A small "P" proof mark is stamped on the underside of the barrel and on the side of the cylinder. A.P. Casey's "C" sub-inspection mark is stamped on the underside of the barrel behind the proof mark, on the trigger guard below the serial number, at the top of the back strap, on the side of the cylinder and on the right heel of the grip. The lower left side of the grip is stamped with the script initials "APC" in a rectangle with rounded ends. The full serial number, "16766" is located on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. There is also a hunting dog on point stamp present above serial number on frame, below number on butt, and underneath barrel, ahead of cylinder pin. Writer has no idea of the originality of this stamp. Other than it is well executed. The partial serial number "6766" is stamped on the underside of the barrel below the ejector housing, the side of the cylinder and written in pencil in the back strap inlet of the grip. All of the visible serial numbers match. A "C" is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole. The rear face of the cylinder is stamped with a small "C" and "Z". The initials "WM" are lightly scratched on the heel of the right side of the grip.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Long Colt
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 16766
Condition: Very fine. The revolver retains 70% of the original military blue and casehardened finish with 50% of the blue finish present on protected areas of the barrel and ejector housing; the balance is a smooth, blue-gray patina. The feathered polishing marks are clearly visible on either side of the front sight blade. The barrel address, proof mark, sub-inspection mark and serial number are clear. The cylinder has a smooth, blue-gray patina; most of the original blue finish is present in the cylinder flutes. The cylinder, proof mark, "C" sub-inspection mark and serial number are sharp. The trigger guard has 50% of the blue finish intact with sharp markings and the back strap has a smooth blue-gray patina with substantial amounts of original finish in protected areas. The frame, hammer and loading gate retain 75-80% of the original casehardened finish. The casehardened finish has muted with age but the case colors are fully visible. The patent dates, "U.S." property mark and serial number are sharp. The frame, trigger guard and grip screws retain considerable niter blue finish and are free from screw-driver marks. The grip is in very good condition. The "APC" Ordnance sub-inspection mark on the lower left side of the grip is clear and fully legible. The small "C" sub-inspection mark on the right heel and the "5" rack number on the upper right side of the grip are sharp. The bore is bright and the action is tight and functions perfectly. This is an outstanding example of a scarce A.P. Casey sub-inspected U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver.