ALTERED CUSTER RANGE COLT SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER.

ALTERED CUSTER RANGE COLT SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER. Cal. 45 Colt. SN 4563. Early Aimsworth inspected single action with 5-1/2″ bbl and repositioned front sight that has been soldered 3/4″ from the muzzle. The frame has the “U.S.” acceptance stamp and 2-line patent markings. The serial numbers are mixed with the bbl having number “1123”, the cylinder “4609” and the trigger guard “31838”. The back strap number has been obliterated from file marks. The frame serial number falls between two cavalry revolvers that are known, #4557 and #4564 which were all part of Lot 5 Government Contract from which the 7th Cavalry received their initial issue on July 2, 1874. John Kopec, noted author and historian in the matter of martially marked single action Colts, states in a letter dated December 9, 2002, that it is a good possibility that this revolver was one which was issued to Custer’s 7th Cavalry regiment. He further notes that three revolvers from the 4500 serial number range have Custer Battlefield documentation. #4507 was listed as Gen. Terry’s personal revolver, #4553 was a back strap located near the Indian village fight and #4597 belonged to Lt. Luther Hare of the 7th Cavalry ca. 1874. This revolver likely remained in service until the recall of 1893 when it was probably altered to artillery configuration. The bbl currently on this revolver was not altered at that time as the sight is completely wrong and brazed in place and the bbl root has been peened to make it fit more snug. The grips appear to be original old grips, but do not fit very well as there are paper shims in the frame. One frame screw has been changed or possibly only dressed down. Accompanied by the previously mentioned Kopec letter. CONDITION: Good, as previously noted, no original finish remains with the bbl and grip frame being a light gray patina and the frame a dark patina. The grips show much wear with some battering on the bottom. The cylinder also shows much wear with traces of blue in the flutes. The ejector rod head is the later crescent shaped type. The hammer will not hold on safety or half cock, otherwise mechanics are okay. Strong bright bore with scattered light pitting. Additional research may eventually disclose a better connection to the 7th Cavalry. 4-53191 JR808 (4,500-7,500)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2004

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
	1584	$4,600.00	ALTERED CUSTER RANGE COLT SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER. Cal. 45 Colt. SN 4563. Early Aimsworth inspected single action with 5-1/2″ bbl and repositioned front sight that has been soldered 3/4″ from the muzzle. The frame has the “U.S.” acceptance stamp and 2-line patent markings. The serial numbers are mixed with the bbl having number “1123”, the cylinder “4609” and the trigger guard “31838”. The back strap number has been obliterated from file marks. The frame serial number falls between two cavalry revolvers that are known, #4557 and #4564 which were all part of Lot 5 Government Contract from which the 7th Cavalry received their initial issue on July 2, 1874. John Kopec, noted author and historian in the matter of martially marked single action Colts, states in a letter dated December 9, 2002, that it is a good possibility that this revolver was one which was issued to Custer’s 7th Cavalry regiment. He further notes that three revolvers from the 4500 serial number range have Custer Battlefield documentation. #4507 was listed as Gen. Terry’s personal revolver, #4553 was a back strap located near the Indian village fight and #4597 belonged to Lt. Luther Hare of the 7th Cavalry ca. 1874. This revolver likely remained in service until the recall of 1893 when it was probably altered to artillery configuration. The bbl currently on this revolver was not altered at that time as the sight is completely wrong and brazed in place and the bbl root has been peened to make it fit more snug. The grips appear to be original old grips, but do not fit very well as there are paper shims in the frame. One frame screw has been changed or possibly only dressed down. Accompanied by the previously mentioned Kopec letter. CONDITION: Good, as previously noted, no original finish remains with the bbl and grip frame being a light gray patina and the frame a dark patina. The grips show much wear with some battering on the bottom. The cylinder also shows much wear with traces of blue in the flutes. The ejector rod head is the later crescent shaped type. The hammer will not hold on safety or half cock, otherwise mechanics are okay. Strong bright bore with scattered light pitting. Additional research may eventually disclose a better connection to the 7th Cavalry. 4-53191 JR808 (4,500-7,500) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2004 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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