RARE COLT ARTILLERY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH CUSTER RANGE BARREL.

RARE COLT ARTILLERY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH CUSTER RANGE BARREL. SN 132436. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & case colored with 5-1/2” bbl, slightly altered front sight with early script address with serifs at each end and tiny “A” (O.W. Ainsworth)inspector mark on bottom. It has third type ejector rod housing with half moon ejector rod head. Frame, trigger guard & back strap are matching numbered with frame having “RAC” (Renaldo A. Carr) inspector initials and a “K” inspector initial on trigger guard, buttstrap & end of ejector rod housing. These parts are reported to have been replacement parts used during artillery conversions. Cylinder is not numbered in usual position but has the assembly number “514B” on the face around cylinder sleeve which number is also found inside the ejector rod housing, on the left side of front strap & butt strap under the grip and on bottom of the frame underneath the trigger guard along with factory date “8 12”. This is a Colt assembly number marking replacement items during refinishing or in the alteration process. A letter from Colt might clarify this information. Front strap has been drilled for a grip pin, now missing. Bbl is an early Ainsworth inspected item with serial number “6603” and is possibly a Springfield replacement item. This bbl is from Government purchase Lot 7 which encompasses the serial range 6517-7527. Serial number 6604 is listed on p. 270 of Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers A Continuing Study, Kopec & Fenn, as having been turned in as an unserviceable cavalry revolver which certainly lends credence to the probability that this bbl was on a genuine Custer Battlefield used Colt. It has a modern replacement cylinder pin. Frame is most unusual in that it is without patent dates or “US” and has a rampant Colt with only a partial circle below horse’s hind feet. It has 1-pc walnut grip. This exact serial number is listed on p. 83 of Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers A Continuing Study, Kopec & Fenn, where it is shown as an overrun of the contract. This would therefore explain the lack of “US” on frame since it was never given final acceptance inspection by the government but does not explain the lack of patent dates. This could also possibly explain the Colt assembly number on the various parts. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl retains about all of an old restored finish and ejector rod housing 60-70% Colt finish, mostly in gullets. Frame retains 30-40% factory case colors, mostly in sheltered areas, with balance turned silver. Trigger guard & backstrap retain strong blue in sheltered areas with balance turned gray patina. Grip has a spot of wood fill in left toe and has grooves in both sides by the front strap at the toe, probably where a lanyard was inserted by its owner during period of use, otherwise grips are sound with a dark hand worn patina. Timing is a little off, otherwise mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with light to moderate pitting. 4-36335 JR127 (3,000-5,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2009

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
	2157	$3,450.00	RARE COLT ARTILLERY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH CUSTER RANGE BARREL. SN 132436. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & case colored with 5-1/2” bbl, slightly altered front sight with early script address with serifs at each end and tiny “A” (O.W. Ainsworth)inspector mark on bottom. It has third type ejector rod housing with half moon ejector rod head. Frame, trigger guard & back strap are matching numbered with frame having “RAC” (Renaldo A. Carr) inspector initials and a “K” inspector initial on trigger guard, buttstrap & end of ejector rod housing. These parts are reported to have been replacement parts used during artillery conversions. Cylinder is not numbered in usual position but has the assembly number “514B” on the face around cylinder sleeve which number is also found inside the ejector rod housing, on the left side of front strap & butt strap under the grip and on bottom of the frame underneath the trigger guard along with factory date “8 12”. This is a Colt assembly number marking replacement items during refinishing or in the alteration process. A letter from Colt might clarify this information. Front strap has been drilled for a grip pin, now missing. Bbl is an early Ainsworth inspected item with serial number “6603” and is possibly a Springfield replacement item. This bbl is from Government purchase Lot 7 which encompasses the serial range 6517-7527. Serial number 6604 is listed on p. 270 of Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers A Continuing Study, Kopec & Fenn, as having been turned in as an unserviceable cavalry revolver which certainly lends credence to the probability that this bbl was on a genuine Custer Battlefield used Colt. It has a modern replacement cylinder pin. Frame is most unusual in that it is without patent dates or “US” and has a rampant Colt with only a partial circle below horse’s hind feet. It has 1-pc walnut grip. This exact serial number is listed on p. 83 of Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers A Continuing Study, Kopec & Fenn, where it is shown as an overrun of the contract. This would therefore explain the lack of “US” on frame since it was never given final acceptance inspection by the government but does not explain the lack of patent dates. This could also possibly explain the Colt assembly number on the various parts. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl retains about all of an old restored finish and ejector rod housing 60-70% Colt finish, mostly in gullets. Frame retains 30-40% factory case colors, mostly in sheltered areas, with balance turned silver. Trigger guard & backstrap retain strong blue in sheltered areas with balance turned gray patina. Grip has a spot of wood fill in left toe and has grooves in both sides by the front strap at the toe, probably where a lanyard was inserted by its owner during period of use, otherwise grips are sound with a dark hand worn patina. Timing is a little off, otherwise mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with light to moderate pitting. 4-36335 JR127 (3,000-5,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2009 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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