Lot 3108

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Ainsworth Inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver with Kopec Letter Manufactured in 1874, the second year of production of the Single Action Army revolver, and inspected by Orville Ainsworth, the first principal sub-inspector for the military contract Single Action Army revolver. Ainsworth physical inspected SAA revolvers recorded in the serial number range 200 through 14343. This was the first major block of U.S. Cavalry revolvers, and it was these arms that were used during the major Indian Wars and the famous Custer's Last Stand. Matching serial numbers are found on the frame, grip straps, and barrel. The cylinder is numbered to a different gun ("5867"). The assembly number "5135" is marked on the loading gate. The top of the barrel is marked with the italic one line address flanked by crosses, and the underside of the barrel is marked with a small "P" and "A" just ahead of the cylinder pin. Additional Ainsworth "A" inspector marks are found on the trigger guard and cylinder. An additional "P" is stamped on the cylinder. The rear cylinder face is marked with the number "1." The left side of the frame is absent of the patent dates and "US" marking. According to Colt historian and author John A. Kopec in his included letter, "It is my opinion that [the frame] markings were 'overlooked' by the Colt employee whose responsibility it was to apply these markings. Several other examples like #7708 have also been reported with these markings missing." Kopec also notes the mismatched cylinder, replacement donut ejector head and "homemade" mainspring. He concluded, "There does not appear to be any attempts nor signs of fakery on this revolver." Also includes a drawing of the markings and a letter of provenance from previous owner Neal Humble who stated that this revolver was purchased from a Laguna Pueblo Indian named Pete Serna in Albuquerque in March 1985. Humble stated that the revolver once belonged to Serna's grandfather who was a scout at Fort Wingate for the 5th Cavalry and whose initials "WPS" are carved on the right side of the grip. Note that Kopec states in his letter that although no direct information on this revolver was found in the National Archives, it is known that "several other revolvers in this general serial number range are also listed as being 5th Cavalry issues. There is a good chance that this revolver had also been issued to this regiment." Two troops of the 5th Cavalry went from Fort Wingate, New Mexico, to the Four Corners area in 1907 to participate in the last armed expedition the U.S. Government made against the Navajo. Manufacturer: Colt Model: Single Action BBL: 7 1/2 inch round Stock: Gauge: 45 LC Finish: blue/casehardened Grips: walnut Serial Number: 7722 Class: Antique Condition: Fair with replaced cylinder. The revolver has a smooth, once cleaned brown-gray patina overall. There are a couple of spots of minor pitting. The sanded grip is fair with rounded high edges and a chip missing near the butt. Mechanically needs work (non-factory mainspring as noted above) but the action cycles.

    Condition:
  • See Description

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by Rock Island Auction Company
December 4, 2016 9:00 AM CST
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, IL, US 61201

Rock Island Auction Company

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000