EXCEPTIONAL 1885 COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

EXCEPTIONAL 1885 COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER. SN 114973. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and block letter address. Frame has 3-line patent dates with large “U.S”. There are small initials “EJB” scratched in the finish just above the “U.S”. Mounted with nicely figured oil, finish, 1-pc walnut grip with a crisp “FH” (Capt. Frank Heath) inspector cartouche on left side below the date “1885” and a “DFC” (David F. Clark) sub-inspector cartouche on right side. Last four digits of matching SN are in backstrap channel. The “DFC” initials were observed on bottom of bbl, bottom of frame, cyl and bottom left side of grip. Last four digits of SN were also observed on bottom of bbl under ejector rod housing and on cyl. Base pin is correct with dimpled ends and the hammer is orig. This revolver was produced under the 9th contract in late 1885. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter identifying this revolver, as found, delivered to the U.S. Government Inspector at the Colt plant on Sept. 23, 1885 in a shipment of 150 revolvers. While high condition cavalry single actions of this era are not uncommon, it is rare to find one so near pristine that is probably unfired. The fact that this revolver escaped the recalls of the 1890s and early 20th century when so many cavalry Colts were converted to artillery configuration speaks to the probability that it was either issued to a militia unit or belonged to a high ranking officer who never carried it. Also accompanied by a 2-page letter from renowned Colt historian, author & collector, John Kopec certifying the originality of this revolver and confirming most of the above information. PROVENANCE: Wes Adams Estate Collection. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, probably unfired, all matching including bbl, cyl & grip. Bbl retains about 98% glossy orig factory blue with strong feathers on each side of front sight and ejector housing stud; ejector housing retains 97-98% glossy orig blue with light front edge wear; frame & hammer retain virtually all of their brilliant case colors; trigger guard & back strap retain crisp orig blue with some minor candy striping on back strap and slight wear on heel; cyl retains 95-96% orig blue, slightly thinned on outer diameter, strong & bright in flutes with a light cyl line; chambers & face of cyl retain virtually all of the strong, orig factory blue; grip is sound with a few scattered, very minor surface blemishes and retains about all of its orig factory finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore with virtually all of its orig factory blue. This is an exceptional cavalry single action worthy of the most discerning collector or museum. 4-44685 JR207 (50,000-80,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2012

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2165	$57,500.00	EXCEPTIONAL 1885 COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER. SN 114973. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and block letter address. Frame has 3-line patent dates with large “U.S”. There are small initials “EJB” scratched in the finish just above the “U.S”. Mounted with nicely figured oil, finish, 1-pc walnut grip with a crisp “FH” (Capt. Frank Heath) inspector cartouche on left side below the date “1885” and a “DFC” (David F. Clark) sub-inspector cartouche on right side. Last four digits of matching SN are in backstrap channel. The “DFC” initials were observed on bottom of bbl, bottom of frame, cyl and bottom left side of grip. Last four digits of SN were also observed on bottom of bbl under ejector rod housing and on cyl. Base pin is correct with dimpled ends and the hammer is orig. This revolver was produced under the 9th contract in late 1885. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter identifying this revolver, as found, delivered to the U.S. Government Inspector at the Colt plant on Sept. 23, 1885 in a shipment of 150 revolvers. While high condition cavalry single actions of this era are not uncommon, it is rare to find one so near pristine that is probably unfired. The fact that this revolver escaped the recalls of the 1890s and early 20th century when so many cavalry Colts were converted to artillery configuration speaks to the probability that it was either issued to a militia unit or belonged to a high ranking officer who never carried it. Also accompanied by a 2-page letter from renowned Colt historian, author & collector, John Kopec certifying the originality of this revolver and confirming most of the above information. PROVENANCE: Wes Adams Estate Collection. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, probably unfired, all matching including bbl, cyl & grip. Bbl retains about 98% glossy orig factory blue with strong feathers on each side of front sight and ejector housing stud; ejector housing retains 97-98% glossy orig blue with light front edge wear; frame & hammer retain virtually all of their brilliant case colors; trigger guard & back strap retain crisp orig blue with some minor candy striping on back strap and slight wear on heel; cyl retains 95-96% orig blue, slightly thinned on outer diameter, strong & bright in flutes with a light cyl line; chambers & face of cyl retain virtually all of the strong, orig factory blue; grip is sound with a few scattered, very minor surface blemishes and retains about all of its orig factory finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore with virtually all of its orig factory blue. This is an exceptional cavalry single action worthy of the most discerning collector or museum. 4-44685 JR207 (50,000-80,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2012 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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