RARE JOHNSON INSPECTED COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 17579. Cal. 45 Colt. Usual configuration with bbl slightly reduced to 7-3/8″, full front sight and 1-line script letter address with seraphs. Left side of frame has 2-line patent dates and a small “U.S”. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip that is probably a period of use replacement. Various parts, including bbl, cyl, trigger guard & backstrap have tiny “J” sub-inspector initials. According to various publications the actual name of this sub-inspector is not in the records, but is believed to be the initial of “W.W. Johnson”. Mr. Johnson was the assistant foreman in the milling shop working with A.P. Casey in 1875 and since sub-inspectors were selected from the filing shop or milling shop at the National Armory it is generally accepted that Mr. Johnson is the sub-inspector on this short RUN of revolvers. Ejector housing is 1st type with bullseye ejector rod head and base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. Given the time of production of Dec. 1874-Mar. 1875 there is little doubt that this revolver would have been issued to a front line Cavalry Unit fighting Indians on the American Frontier. The fact that the grip is changed with an orig period Colt grip that is uninspected lends further credence to this theory. The fact that this bbl is about 1/8″ short, also lends a little mystery to this revolver. It was the habit of hostile Indians who captured one of these Colts to file the muzzle flat, such as found here, called “lemita” which is Sioux for “my possession”. There is also the possibility that it was issued to an Indian scout. CONDITION: Very good, all matching except grip, as noted. Traces of orig finish remain in the most sheltered areas, primarily around the ejector housing; metal is an overall lightly cleaned gray patina; screws are all fine; grip is sound, showing moderate to heavy wear with a few light nicks & scratches and retains a hand worn patina. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; strong bright bore with scattered fine pitting. 4-51573 JR463 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1360

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2014

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
	1360	$6,900.00	RARE JOHNSON INSPECTED COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER. SN 17579. Cal. 45 Colt. Usual configuration with bbl slightly reduced to 7-3/8″, full front sight and 1-line script letter address with seraphs. Left side of frame has 2-line patent dates and a small “U.S”. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip that is probably a period of use replacement. Various parts, including bbl, cyl, trigger guard & backstrap have tiny “J” sub-inspector initials. According to various publications the actual name of this sub-inspector is not in the records, but is believed to be the initial of “W.W. Johnson”. Mr. Johnson was the assistant foreman in the milling shop working with A.P. Casey in 1875 and since sub-inspectors were selected from the filing shop or milling shop at the National Armory it is generally accepted that Mr. Johnson is the sub-inspector on this short RUN of revolvers. Ejector housing is 1st type with bullseye ejector rod head and base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. Given the time of production of Dec. 1874-Mar. 1875 there is little doubt that this revolver would have been issued to a front line Cavalry Unit fighting Indians on the American Frontier. The fact that the grip is changed with an orig period Colt grip that is uninspected lends further credence to this theory. The fact that this bbl is about 1/8″ short, also lends a little mystery to this revolver. It was the habit of hostile Indians who captured one of these Colts to file the muzzle flat, such as found here, called “lemita” which is Sioux for “my possession”. There is also the possibility that it was issued to an Indian scout. CONDITION: Very good, all matching except grip, as noted. Traces of orig finish remain in the most sheltered areas, primarily around the ejector housing; metal is an overall lightly cleaned gray patina; screws are all fine; grip is sound, showing moderate to heavy wear with a few light nicks & scratches and retains a hand worn patina. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; strong bright bore with scattered fine pitting. 4-51573 JR463 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1360 Auction: Firearms - Spring 2014 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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RARE JOHNSON INSPECTED COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.