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Second Year Production Ainsworth Sub-Inspected Colt Single Action Army Cavalry Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Hand Guns - Revolvers Start Price:1,200.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 4,500.00 USD
Second Year Production Ainsworth Sub-Inspected Colt Single Action Army Cavalry Revolver
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Second Year Production Ainsworth Sub-Inspected Colt Single Action Army Cavalry Revolver

This is an example of a U.S. Ainsworth inspected Pre-Custer Battle Colt Single Action Army Cavalry Model revolver that was manufactured in 1874 and subsequently restored over 100 years later. This Government Contract Single Action was inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector Orville W. Ainsworth and has his "A" sub-inspection mark stamped on major components. The revolver has the distinctive early production features which include the first style ejector housing with barrel boss, First Style two line, two patent date markings on the left side of the frame followed by "U.S.", one line script barrel address and "bullseye" ejector rod head. The hammer spur has elongated bordered knurling. The small "A" Ainsworth sub-inspection mark is stamped on the underside of the barrel, on the bottom of the trigger guard, on the top of the back strap and on the side of the cylinder. A small "P" proofmark is stamped on the underside of the barrel and on the side of the cylinder. The full serial number, "3316" is stamped on the barrel under the ejector housing, on the frame, trigger guard, back strap and on the side of the cylinder. The assembly number "5504" is stamped on the loading gate. The Ordnance final and sub-inspection marks on the sides of the grip are no longer visible. Early unaltered Cavalry Model Single Action revolvers like this example are rare. These early revolvers were primarily issued to the ten cavalry regiments on the frontier and were used throughout the Indian Wars. After 1895 nearly all of the surviving revolvers were recalled and overhauled to "Artillery" configuration and subsequently issued during the Spanish-American War and Philippine Insurrection. Unaltered Ainsworth sub-inspected Cavalry Model Single Actions with matching serial numbers are historical and highly desirable firearms.

Manufacture: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
BBL: 7 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 LC
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 9386

Fair as restored, remarked, with stretched barrel. The metal surfaces have a smooth artificial mottled brown patina with some scattered minor pitting and dents. The back strap and trigger guard are both numbered to match the frame. The grip is fair with some heavy wear on the lower edge, as well as some minor chips and dents. Overall there are a few minor dings and dents. The ejector housing screw is a replacement. The markings are clear. The action is fine.