Lot 106

Ainsworth Inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army

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Ainsworth Inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army

Estimate: $80,000 - $140,000

Starting Bid: $70,000

(0 Bids)

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

Exceptional and Highly Desirable Ainsworth Inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver with Kopec Gold Seal Letter Manufactured in 1874, this is an exceptional original example of an iconic Ainsworth inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model revolver. For a Colt collector, these early production, Ainsworth inspected Cavalry Models are undoubtedly an immense treasure, particularly those extremely scarce examples like this one that managed has remained is astounding condition for over 150 years. It was these early Ainsworth Cavalry Models that rode along with U.S. Cavalry troopers in the harsh environment of the western frontier and laid the foundations of the legacy which has truly made the Colt Single Action Army "America's sidearm". When one thinks about a U.S. sidearm that truly bore witness to the struggles that shaped the American West, it is these Ainsworth inspected Cavalry Models that stand front and center. These Colts are so legendary and timeless that it can be at times difficult to remember that in 1873 and 1874, the Colt Single Action Army was a brand new design, the latest and greatest in American firearms. It was just what the cavalry needed: a tough and dependable revolver that could handle the harsh conditions of the American West. Orville W. Ainsworth was tasked with making sure these new revolvers were made to a high standard before they were issued to U.S. troopers stationed at various forts scattered throughout the American West to protect settlers and attempt to establish order on the frontier. With multiple Native American nations resisting encroachment on their territory and raiding one another, conflict was near constant, and most of these early Colts saw extensive use in the Indian Wars, with many also ending up in the hands of Native American warriors. Ainsworth was the principal sub-inspector of the War Department, Ordnance Office, in October 1873 through November 7, 1874, and performed the sub-inspection of every one of approximately the first approximately 12,500 U.S. contract Colt Single Action Army revolvers in the recorded serial range between 200 through 14343, per information on p. 201 of "A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver" by Graham, Kopec, and Moore. It was Ainsworth inspected Colts that were issued to Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer’s 7th U.S. Cavalry on the Northern Plains during Great Sioux War and fired in the famous last stand at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. These early Cavalry Models also shipped out to multiple regiments in the Southwest fighting in the Apache Wars, and they were carried by men stationed throughout the vast western frontier at various outposts. As such, it was these Ainsworth inspected Colts that made the Colt Single Action Army a household name, demonstrated its lethality and reliability in battle, and established its legacy as the most popular sidearm of the American West, its indelible association with the American fighting man, and a treasured piece of Americana to this day. Since the Ainsworth Colts were rushed into the hands of the U.S. Cavalry on the frontier and typically saw many years of hard use in the Indian Wars, relatively few remain in high condition. Many of those that survived the rigors of frontier warfare were also later refurbished and remained in military service into the early 20th century, further diminishing the potential number of original Ainsworth Cavalry Models available to collectors. With all of this in mind, the fact that this revolver remains in this high level of condition is truly astounding. Where this revolver went and what it saw after leaving Colt in 1874 remains uncertain, but it clearly was well-cared for given its condition. According to "Colt Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers... a Continuing Study" by Kopec and Fenn, this revolvers serial number falls between two other Cavalry Models that are documented as issued to Troop C of the 8th Cavalry, those being numbers 2552 and 2588. Additionally, this revolver's serial number falls shortly before a large batch of revolvers documented as issued to Company K of the 4th Cavalry, the first of those being number 2902 listed in the same book. Other known issues of revolvers near this one include number 2472 to Company C of the 10th Cavalry and number 2717 to Company D of the 3rd Cavalry. The 10th Cavalry was made up of primarily African American troopers and are more widely known as the "Buffalo Soldiers", with the regiment spending much of the late 19th century in Texas and the Southwest combating Mexican bandits and revolutionaries as well as the Apaches. In his included Gold Seal letter, John Kopec theorizes that this revolver, due to its high condition, may have sat in an arsenal until "liberated" or sold as surplus, at which time it appears to have seen some light use. In the letter, Kopec goes on to praise the revolver's "outstanding finish" as well as the Ainsworth cartouche remaining completely intact and "totally correct". The letter finishes with Kopec stating "We have truly enjoyed reviewing this fantastic early U.S. Cavalry revolver." This revolver was manufactured in 1874, just the second year of production of the world famous Single Action Army, and is stamped with Orville W. Ainsworth's distinctive "A" sub-inspectors mark on the bottom of the barrel, below the serial number on the trigger guard, on the cylinder, and on the top of the back strap. The bottom left side of the one-piece walnut grip is stamped with his bordered script "OWA" inspection cartouche. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line address "+COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD, CT, U.S.A.+" correctly showing the die breaks in the "o" in "Co" and partially broken "A" in "HARTFORD", and the left side of the frame is marked with the two-line, two patent dates followed by "U.S." There is a "P" on the bottom of the barrel ahead of the cylinder pin and on the cylinder. The revolver is equipped with classic blade front and frame notch rear sights and the early "bullseye" ejector rod head. The full matching visible serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, and the partial matching serial number "2570" is marked on the cylinder.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

BBL: 7 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Finish: blue/casehardened

Grips: walnut

Serial Number2570

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Exceptionally fine overall, retains 85% plus of the original blue finish and vibrant original case colors with the balance grey patina in the form of mild holster or handling wear, correct "feathered" factory polish marks on the barrel near the front sight, some scattered very light handling marks, and a cylinder turn line. The grip is also exceptionally fine with a few scattered light dings and scratches, while the Ainsworth cartouche remains well-defined. Mechanically excellent. These Ainsworth inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model revolvers are rarely found today in their original configurations, and they are truly scarce in high condition like this example. One would search a very long time to find a finer example!

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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