3322

Colt Model 1873 Artillery Model Single Action Revolver in the 7th Cavalry Serial Number Range with F

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:6,000.00 USD Estimated At:12,000.00 - 20,000.00 USD
Colt Model 1873 Artillery Model Single Action Revolver in the 7th Cavalry Serial Number Range with F
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Estimate: $12000 - 20000
This Colt Model 1873 Single Action revolver was manufactured in 1874 and subsequently rebuilt as an artillery in 1903. The serial number of this revolver, "5220" falls within in the range (4500-5504) of Single Action revolvers issued to the 7th Cavalry in 1874 and carried by troopers of that regiment in the Battle of Little Big Horn on June 26-27, 1876. Little Big Horn documented or positively associated Colt Single Action revolvers in this serial number range are 5100, 5128 and 5147. This revolver, like most Colt Single Action revolvers issued to the U.S. cavalry was modified to "Artillery" configuration after 1893 and refurbished by Colt in 1903. A Colt factory letter that accompanied the revolver states that it was one of 50 revolvers shipped from Colt to the Springfield Armory on February 24, 1903. The revolver frame is serial-numbered "5220". Like most Artillery Model Single Action revolvers the components have mixed serial numbers. This revolver also has an early O.W. Ainsworth inspected barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The barrel is serial numbered "6009" and the underside is stamped with the small "A" sub-inspection mark and "P" proofmark. The top of the barrel has the early script address: "+COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.+" with slanted crosses at either end. The frame has the early Colt 'Two-Date/Two-Line' patent markings and small "U.S." property mark. The trigger guard is serial numbered "4014" and stamped with a small "A" behind the serial number. The back strap is serial number "5447" and has a small "A" stamped behind the hammer cut-out. The cylinder has the early small stops and is stamped with a "P" proofmark, the serial number "4706" and a small "A" sub-inspection mark. The loading gate is stamped with the assembly number, "983". The left grip heel is stamped with a small "R.A.C." sub-inspection mark. The lower left side of the grip is stamped with the date "1903" or "1902" above "OCH". The lower right side of the grip is stamped with the sub-inspectors initials "RAC". The revolver has a blue finish on the barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The frame, loading gate and hammer have a color casehardened finish.
BBL: 5 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Long Colt
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 5220
Condition: Very fine as Colt refurbished. The barrel, ejector housing and trigger guard have 75% blue with thinning on contact points. The cylinder and back strap have about 75% of the original blue finish. The frame has 50% of the casehardened finish with silvering on contact points and strong case colors in protected areas. The hammer has 90% of the case colors. All of the markings are sharp and clear. The grip is in very good condition with moderate-heavy handling wear. There is some age shrinkage on the bottom of the grip and the Ordnance inspection marks are faint and nearly illegible. The action is tight and functions perfectly. It is very unusual to find a Artillery Model Single Action revolver with all early Ainsworth components. This is a historic revolver which may have been issued to the 7th Cavalry and carried in the Battle of Little Bighorn.