ITEM # 181
serial #18444, 45 LC, 7 1/2" barrel with an excellent bore. This is an interesting revolver. It comes with a factory letter as well as a 2005 dated letter of authentication from John Kopec. Kopec's letter points out that this revolver falls between the range of 18412 and 18471 both of which belong to a rather significant group of revolvers which had been issued to the U.S. 7th Cavalry as "after battle" replacements as of July 12, 1888. He goes on to say "There is therefore a good possibility that this revolver had also been issued to this unit when it was reorganized after the famous 'Custer Battle'". The factory letter states that the original records pertaining to this revolver were lost or destroyed many years ago. However the records do indicate a return of this revolver for refurbishing and subsequent shipment to the U.S. inspector located at the Colt plant on October 4, 1895. The revolver was then purchased by the State of New York and the buttstrap is stamped with a large number "C133" indicating that it belonged to Troop C and had a rack position number of 133. Kopec's letter goes on to talk about the New York State purchase, describes the finish and states that the cylinder may have been a replacement done when the state of New York owned the revolver and that the hammer appears to be a replacement from the first quarter of the 20th century. This revolver is listed by serial number in "Colt Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers" by Kopec & Fenn on page 43. The triggerguard as well as bottom of the barrel bear the inspector's initial "J", the mark of W. W. Johnson who originally inspected this revolver in 1875. The barrel and ejector rod housing retain an even brown patina with a little light surface oxidation present and with generous traces of bright original blue in protected areas. The frame retains a mix of a bluish color and a brown patina, Kopec states that the bluish hue is case color which is turned blue overtime. The one-piece walnut grips rate excellent as period refinished. A very interesting single action Colt with lots of character. (1996-30) {ANTIQUE} (10,000/15,000) SOLD FOR $9775.00 |
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