Lot 1113

Serial "700" Ainsworth U.S. Colt Cavalry Single Action Army

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Serial "700" Ainsworth U.S. Colt Cavalry Single Action Army

Estimate: $9,500 - $16,000

Starting Bid: $8,500

(0 Bids)

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

Desirable Early Production Three-Digit Serial Number "700" Ainsworth Inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver with John Kopec Letter Offered is a highly desirable three-digit serial number "700" U.S. contract Orville W. Ainsworth inspected Colt Single Action Army revolver manufactured in 1873, the first year of production, during the height of the Indian Wars era. The revolver was examined by noted Colt historian and author John Kopec, and he recorded his observations in his accompanying letter of authentication dated October 25, 1993. The revolver was a previous listing in Kopec's survey and falls between serial numbers 694 (Artillery Model) and 704 (Artillery Model). Kopec states, "This revolver is unique in two respects. First, the number '7' on the revolver's frame has been stamped up-side-down. It will be noticed that the two zeros following the number '7' are in exactly the same position as the zeros stamped onto the revolver's triggerguard. For some reason, the workman who stamped these numerals only inverted the number '7' while the two zeros remained unturned. Secondly, the left frame of this unique revolver was never stamped with the patent dates or the 'U.S.' frame marking. These omissions were also the fault of Colt's workman who was in charge of the stamping program. The fact that BOTH of these stampings were overlooked on this revolver could lead use to believe that both stampings were being applied at the same time. We know for sure that the stamping of the 'U.S.' frame markings were during this early 1873 production period the responsibility of Colt's workmen. This occurrence could therefore lend credence to the theory that both markings were applied simultaneously. Historically, this revolver was manufactured early in 1873. It certainly was made well within the Indian Wars period and possibly saw service during these conflicts. The nearest recorded historical entry to your revolver below this serial number is #642 which was issued to TROOP C. 8th CAVALRY. The nearest recorded entry above your serial number is #882, a Co. M. 5th CAVALRY issue. The revolver appears authentic with the following minor exceptions: The ejector screw is oversize; The ejector tube has been turned down several thousandths of an inch; The ejector spring is a replacement; The grips are correct style replacements; Several of the revolver's screws are replacements." Rock Island Auction Company previously sold a New York Militia Single Action Army revolver very close by in range with serial number 730 (December 2024, lot 49), with an accompanying more recent September 10, 2024, dated Kopec letter that indicated it was originally part of "Lot One" (serial numbers 177-1191), revolvers that were primarily issued to the 10th Cavalry headquartered at Leavenworth, Kansas, with 10th Cavalry troopers also stationed at various forts throughout Texas during the first quarter of 1874, in which Kopec further states that some of those "Lot One" serial numbers were somewhat mixed before being issued. The barrel has a blade front sight and is roll-stamped with the script address "+COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.+". The correct first type ejector housing has the "bullseye" ejector. The bottom of the barrel is stamped with the matching serial number (correctly exposed), a small Ainsworth "A" sub-inspection mark and "P" proof mark. The cylinder also has the matching serial number, small "A" sub-inspection mark and "P" proof mark. Small Ainsworth "A" sub-inspection marks are also on the trigger guard and top of the back strap. Matching visible serial number "700" is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, cylinder, and butt.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

BBL: 7 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Finish: blue/casehardened

Grips: walnut

Serial Number700

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection
  • Condition: Good overall as an early production U.S. Cavalry Model Single Action Army with plenty of frontier character, exhibiting smooth gray and antiqued brown patina, with pitting, a few chips in the grip, and legible markings in the metal. Mechanically functions. A very desirable early production U.S. Colt Cavalry Model revolver bearing serial number "700"!

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