COLT ARTILLERY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH CUSTER RANGE PARTS.

COLT ARTILLERY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH CUSTER RANGE PARTS. SN 31676. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color cased hardened with bbl reduced to 5-1/2″, with one line block letter address and slightly reduced front sight. Left side to frame has two line patent date and small “U.S.”. It is mounted with one piece walnut grip with no numbers in the back strap channel and the “R.A.C.” (Rinaldo A. Carr) inspector initials on both bottum edges. The inspector initials “L.D.” for Lewis Draper are on the frame by the serial number. Rear face of the cylinder is also stamped with the RAC inspector initials. Bbl and serial number are unnumbered. Frame bears the serial number “31676” and the trigger guard & back strap are numbered “6361” with the trigger guard retaining the “A” (Orville W. Ainsworth) inspector initial. Apparently the “A” inspector initial was obliterated during the refinishing process when the revolver was altered to artillery length. Apparently the cylinder, bbl and grip were all replaced at the same time. According to Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers: A Continuing Study, Kopec & Fenn, the trigger guard and back strap were part of Lot 6, shipped on Feb. 13, 1874 and reshipped from Springfield Armory in April, 1874 to the 1st, 2nd & 7th Cavalry Regiments, 166 of which were delivered to the 7th Cavalry and were present at Custer’s fight at the Little Big Horn in 1876. While there is no documentation confirming this theory, it certainly is a strong possibility. Regardless, all parts of this revolver, except for the unnumbered pieces would have seen service during the Indian Wars and later during the Spanish-American War in Cuba and the Philippines. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter identifying the frame serial number as having been delivered to the government inspector at the Colt plant on December 8, 1876 in a 200 gun shipment. Also accompanied by a blue velvet lined, glass top Colt Custom Shop case with key. PROVENANCE: The Spence Dupree Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 92-93% glossy factory blue with light muzzle edge wear and a few light scratches. Frame retains about 70% case colors, brilliant in sheltered areas and turning silver elsewhere. Hammer retains 70-75% case colors, strong on the left side and back edge, faded on the right side. Cylinder retains about 90% strong original blue. Trigger guard retains 70-75% thinning and candy striped original blue. Back strap retains about 50% original blue, very thin on the back strap. Grip is sound showing moderate edge wear and a couple of small dings with a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. Case is extremely fine. 4-41719 JR45 (4,500-6,500)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2011

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
	2177	$4,887.50	COLT ARTILLERY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH CUSTER RANGE PARTS. SN 31676. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color cased hardened with bbl reduced to 5-1/2″, with one line block letter address and slightly reduced front sight. Left side to frame has two line patent date and small “U.S.”. It is mounted with one piece walnut grip with no numbers in the back strap channel and the “R.A.C.” (Rinaldo A. Carr) inspector initials on both bottum edges. The inspector initials “L.D.” for Lewis Draper are on the frame by the serial number. Rear face of the cylinder is also stamped with the RAC inspector initials. Bbl and serial number are unnumbered. Frame bears the serial number “31676” and the trigger guard & back strap are numbered “6361” with the trigger guard retaining the “A” (Orville W. Ainsworth) inspector initial. Apparently the “A” inspector initial was obliterated during the refinishing process when the revolver was altered to artillery length. Apparently the cylinder, bbl and grip were all replaced at the same time. According to Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers: A Continuing Study, Kopec & Fenn, the trigger guard and back strap were part of Lot 6, shipped on Feb. 13, 1874 and reshipped from Springfield Armory in April, 1874 to the 1st, 2nd & 7th Cavalry Regiments, 166 of which were delivered to the 7th Cavalry and were present at Custer’s fight at the Little Big Horn in 1876. While there is no documentation confirming this theory, it certainly is a strong possibility. Regardless, all parts of this revolver, except for the unnumbered pieces would have seen service during the Indian Wars and later during the Spanish-American War in Cuba and the Philippines. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter identifying the frame serial number as having been delivered to the government inspector at the Colt plant on December 8, 1876 in a 200 gun shipment. Also accompanied by a blue velvet lined, glass top Colt Custom Shop case with key. PROVENANCE: The Spence Dupree Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 92-93% glossy factory blue with light muzzle edge wear and a few light scratches. Frame retains about 70% case colors, brilliant in sheltered areas and turning silver elsewhere. Hammer retains 70-75% case colors, strong on the left side and back edge, faded on the right side. Cylinder retains about 90% strong original blue. Trigger guard retains 70-75% thinning and candy striped original blue. Back strap retains about 50% original blue, very thin on the back strap. Grip is sound showing moderate edge wear and a couple of small dings with a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. Case is extremely fine. 4-41719 JR45 (4,500-6,500) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2011 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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