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U.S. Colt Model 1873 Cavalry Single Action Revolver with New York Militia Markings Inscribed 1st L.B

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
U.S. Colt Model 1873 Cavalry Single Action Revolver with New York Militia Markings Inscribed 1st L.B
This U.S. Colt Model 1873 Cavalry single action revolver was manufactured in 1891. This revolver is one of the 120, new, Rinaldo A. Carr sub-inspected revolvers issued to the New York Militia in January and June 1893. The revolver has a military blue barrel, cylinder and backstrap, casehardened frame and hammer and one-piece, oil-finished, walnut grip. The revolver retains the 'bull's-eye' ejector rod head and cavalry style hammer with extended knurling on the spur. The right side of the grip is boldly stamped with the unit marking and rack number: "1ST N.Y./95" in two lines. The butt has the high quality jeweler-engraved, script, unit marking: "1st L.B." (1st Light Battery). The full serial number, "137592" is located on the bottom of the barrel, frame, trigger guard, backstrap and on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The barrel is roll-stamped: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in a single line. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt, 'two-date/three-line' patent markings followed by a "U.S." property mark. The underside of the barrel is stamped with a "P" proofmark and a "R.A.C." sub-inspector mark. The sub-inspector's initials "R.A.C." are stamped on the bottom of the frame above the serial number, on the side of the cylinder and on both grip heels. A "P" proofmark is stamped on the side of the cylinder along with the sub-inspector marks and serial number. A "K" is stamped below the serial number on the trigger guard and backstrap and in the cylinder well above the firing pin hole. The loading gate is stamped with assembly number "557". The sub-inspector's and final inspector's stamps are not visible on the sides of the grip. Although most of the Colt single action cavalry revolvers with New York militia markings were refurbished by Colt in 1895, some 420 new revolvers were also issued to New York. This is one of the new, late-production, "R.A.C." sub-inspected, Cavalry single action that was never refurbished or altered and remains in original condition.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Colt
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 137592


Very fine. The revolver retains 75% of the original blue and casehardened finish. The 'feathered' polishing marks are visible on the barrel on either side of the front sight blade. The barrel shows light-moderate holster wear at the muzzle and on the front sight blade. There is moderate holster wear on the sides and front of the ejector round housing. The cylinder has most of the blue finish; the blue on the grip strap and backstrap has moderate handling wear with a silver-gray patina. The frame has 70% of the original casehardened finish with strong case colors. The loading gate and hammer show more handling wear and have a silver-gray patina. The grip is in very good condition with bold militia markings on the right side and crisp sub-inspection marks on the heels. The barrel and frame markings are sharp; the inspection and proofmarks on the barrel, cylinder and frame are sharp. The bore is bright. The action is crisp and functions perfectly. This is a very fine example of a completely original "R.A.C." sub-inspected, U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Revolver with desirable New York militia markings and unique butt inscription.