Lot 1115

Exceptional David F. Clark U.S. Colt Cavalry Single Action Army

Previous image preload Next image preload

Exceptional David F. Clark U.S. Colt Cavalry Single Action Army

Estimate: $40,000 - $60,000

Starting Bid: $35,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Exceptional David F. Clark Inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver Offered here is a beautiful original 1885 production David F. Clark inspected U.S. contract Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army revolver. David F. Clark was the official U.S. Ordnance Sub-Inspector during the 1880s period, and his small "D.F.C." sub-inspection initials are stamped on the underside of the barrel, bottom of the frame above the serial number, side of the cylinder and on the left butt of the grip. This revolver clearly escaped the Ordnance Department recall of 1893 and remains in a high state of condition with it's original 7 1/2 inch Cavalry Model barrel length. It was likely issued to a state militia, where it would have remained in storage at one of the state armories until it was returned unused to the Springfield Armory. It is known that a very limited amount of these revolvers that were held in storage were later released for public sale by the U.S. government. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the one-line address "COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.-" and the frame has the roll-stamped three-line Colt patent date markings followed by a "U.S" property mark. "P" proofmarks are stamped on the underside of the barrel and side of the cylinder. Matching visible full serial numbers marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and butt of the back strap, with matching partial "5822" on the cylinder and barrel beneath the ejector housing, and assembly number "171" on the loading gate. It has a blade front sight, a frame-top groove rear sight, and a matching number smooth one-piece walnut grip. The left side of the grip is dated "1885" above an oval bordered script letter "FH" cartouche of Frank Heath, and the right side of the grip has David F. Clark's script letter "DFC" cartouche.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

BBL: 7 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Finish: blue/casehardened

Grips: walnut

Serial Number115822

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Herb Glass Jr. Collection, The Pelton Family Collection.
  • Condition: Exceptionally fine and way above most of the surviving examples. 80% plus original blue finish remains on the barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard, and grip straps, 90% plus captivating original case colors on the frame and hammer, with slight smooth gray patina on the balance, some minor freckling, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. The grip is very fine, with attractive original grain, a few minor dings and handling marks, extremely well-defined edges, and crisp cartouches and inspection initials. Mechanically excellent. This attractive David F. Clark Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army revolver would make a strong addition to any Colt or military arms collection!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000