Lot 107

Nickel A.P. Casey Inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Single Action Army

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Nickel A.P. Casey Inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Single Action Army

Estimate: $12,000 - $18,000

Starting Bid: $10,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Documented Nickel Plated A.P. Casey Inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver with John Kopec Letter This 1875 production U.S. Colt Cavalry Model revolver was sub-inspected by A. P. Casey and has no main inspector marking on the bottom of the frame. It features a period nickel plated finish, retains its desirable original 7 1/2 inch barrel length and escaped the recalls of the 1890s. 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, 2024. The revolver was a previous listing in Kopec's survey and falls between serial numbers 18513 (a Cavalry revolver) and 18532 (an Artillery component) in this database. Kopec states, "Historically, we could not locate this revolver's serial number in the National Archives records available to us. We do however note that our subject's serial number falls between #18473 and #18554. Both of these cited examples were issued to 'Troop L, 7th Cavalry' as of March 14th 1888. This series of revolvers were issued to these 7th Cavalry replacement troops on October 3rd 1876, just some three months after the famous Custer Battle. These new recruits were nicknamed 'The Custer Avengers'. We do however feel that because the subject revolver remains today in its basic Cavalry configuration that it had probably been issued to one of the state militia regiments. In checking with our book 'A Study' in the section dealing with 'Issues to Militia' we find that during September of 1875 there had been 100 revolvers issued to the State of Missouri. Then during 1876 another group of 302 revolvers had been issued to the various states, with the State of Missouri again being issued 210 revolver that year. Therefore, there is a very good chance that our subject revolver #18531 had been among these militia issues... It is this writer's opinion that some of these extra-nice Cavalry revolvers were privately nickel-plated (dealer's & private parties) after being released as surplus." This revolver is mentioned by serial number on page 249 of "A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver" by Graham, Kopec and Moore, stating, "By 1875 the occurrence of nickeled revolvers in our survey decreases to where there are only two such specimens recorded. These are #18,531 and #19,247. The absence of condensed serial number blocks in this area, together with recorded documentation leads us to believe these revolvers were special ordered officer's revolvers." The revolver is also mentioned by serial number on pages 210-211 of the book in reference to the "c" inspection initial on its ejector housing. Four potential basic theories for the existence of nickel plated U.S. Cavalry Model revolvers have developed over the decades: issued to Indian scouts and police, special order "officers" revolvers, surplus State Militia revolvers sold to and nickel plated by Colt or commercial retailers, and U.S. Navy issue. 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. A.P. Casey's small "c" sub-inspection initial and "P" proof marks are on the barrel and cylinder, and a bordered script "APC" cartouche is stamped on the left of the grip. A small "c" sub-inspection initial is also on the trigger guard, top of the back strap, and right butt of the grip. The matching visible full serial number "18531" is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and butt, matching partial "8531" is on the cylinder and concealed area of the barrel beneath the ejector housing.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

BBL: 7 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Finish: nickel

Grips: walnut

Serial Number18531

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection
  • Condition: Very fine, retains 95% period applied nickel plating, with some minor frosting, a few small patches of very minor pitting, and sharp markings in the metal. The grip is fine, with some minor chips and dings on the butt, and a clear cartouche. Mechanically functions although it jams on occasion. An attractive example of a nickel plated A.P. Casey inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model revolver!

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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