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U.S. Ainsworth Inspected Colt Single Action Cavalry Revolver with Three Digit Serial Number

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 7,000.00 USD
U.S. Ainsworth Inspected Colt Single Action Cavalry Revolver with Three Digit Serial Number
This is a representative example of a U.S. Contract Colt Single Action revolver that was manufactured in 1874. This early Cavalry Model revolver has the small "A" inspection marks on Ordnance Sub-Inspector Orville W. Ainsworth stamped on the barrel, trigger guard and cylinder and the script initials "OWA" in a rectangle on the lower left side of the grip. The revolver has the early style cylinder with small locking stops, early barrel with hole for the ejector housing boss and early mainspring which lacks the hammer roller channel. The ejector housing has the 'bull's-eye' ejector head. The barrel has the first style 'script' address: "+COLT'S PT. F. A. Co. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.+" with slanted crosses at either end. The underside of the barrel is stamped with the "A" sub-inspection mark followed by a "P" proof mark and the serial number. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the early Colt 'two-date/two-line' patent markings followed by the "U.S." property mark. The side of the cylinder is stamped with the "A" sub-inspection marks and a "P" proofmark. An "H" Colt inspection mark is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder and a "C" Colts inspection mark is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole. The serial number, "785" is stamped on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, backstrap and cylinder. All of the serial numbers match.
BBL: 7 1/2 Inch
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Long Colt
Finish: blue/case-hardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 785
Condition: Good as restored, refinished. The revolver has been lightly cleaned and has a smooth, silver-gray patina. The revolver has several replacement parts. The ejector housing is a second pattern replacement and lacks the hole for the boss. The loading gate is not stamped with an assembly number and may be a replacement. The grip screws are modern replacements. The replacement barrel address and serial number and the cylinder serial number have been re-stamped. The restamped "OWA" inspection mark on the left side of the grip is crisp. The butt of the grip is not stamped with the "A" sub-inspection mark. The markings on the barrel, frame and cylinder are clear. The action is crisp and functions well. The grip is in in very good condition with moderate handling wear and a small repair at the front edge of the left heel. This is a good-looking representative example of a very scarce, Ainsworth-inspected Colt Single Action Cavalry revolver