62

Texas 4th Cav. Ainsworth 1873 Colt SAA

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:6,250.00 USD
Texas 4th Cav. Ainsworth 1873 Colt SAA
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA
Texas 4th Cavalry Ainsworth Inspected Model 1873 Colt Single Action Revolver, #2885, .45 Colt cal., 7-1/2'' barrel, blue and case hardened finish, with cartouched one-piece walnut grips. According to Cochran, as well as Kopec & Fenn, 8000 revolvers were shipped from the original. July 23, 1873 contract with an estimated serial number range of between no.'s 2337 thru 3437 and were received at the Springfield Armory on Jan. 3, 1874. At that point they were forwarded to the 4th Cavalry as per the Adjutant General's order of Jan. 14, 1874, routed via San Antonio, TX, and issued during the 2nd quarter of 1874. When originally discovered, this revolver had its barrel cut and the original sight had been silver soldered in place on the shortened barrel. Over time our consignor was able to acquire an unissued surplus Ainsworth inspected barrel, which he had installed in place of the altered example. Kopec letter confirms this information and notes that the barrel was cut to 5-1/4'' and not the Artillery length of 5-1/2''. He further states that the cartouche on the grip remains faint but legible, and that at one point, perhaps during the mid-1880s, this revolver was arsenal refinished but executed extremely well with no apparent buffing to any of the metal surfaces. Condition is excellent. Barrel and ejector rod retain approx. 90% blue; cylinder with approx. 85% blue; backstrap and triggerguard show approx. 75% moderately thinning blue. All screws with good color and straight slots. Grips fit exceptionally well showing only light wear. Cartouche with just light to moderate smoothing. Action is crisp, bore is fine to near excellent. Includes copies of all documentation relative to the firearm. This exceptionally scarce and desirable Single Action variant was saved from an ignoble fate by the replacement of one part. Est.: $12,500-$17,500. (Antique)