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1880 Production "D.F.C." Sub-Inspected Colt Single Action Cavalry Model Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:9,000.00 USD Estimated At:18,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
1880 Production  D.F.C.  Sub-Inspected Colt Single Action Cavalry Model Revolver

Estimate: $18000 - 25000
This fine original U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry Model Revolver was manufactured in 1880 and inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector David F. Clark (DFC) and Lt. David A. Lyle (DAL). The revolver is stamped with "DFC" and "DAL" sub- inspection and final inspection marks in the appropriate locations. The revolver has a military blue finish on the barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The frame, loading gate and hammer have a color casehardened finish. The one-piece walnut grip has an oil finish. The revolver has the 'bullseye' ejector rod head used until approximately serial number 113,000. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the 'Elongated Block Letter' address: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.". Small "D.F.C." sub-inspection stamps are located on the underside of the barrel, the bottom of the frame, the side of the cylinder and on the right heel of the grip.. A "P' proofmark is stamped on the underside of the barrel in front of the sub-inspection mark and on the side of the cylinder. The left side of the frame is stamped with the Colt 'three-dates/three-line' patent marking followed by the "U.S." property mark. The assembly number "2628" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. Colt "C" and "G" inspection marks are stamped on the underside of the barrel behind the ejector housing stud. Colt "B" and "L" inspection marks are stamped on the rear face of the cylinder between the chambers. "S" is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole. The full serial number, "54884" is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "4884" is stamped on the underside of the barrel and the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The lower left side of the grip is stamped with the date "1880" above the Ordnance final inspection mark which consists of the initials "DAL" enclosed in an oval. The lower right side of the grip is stamped with the Ordnance sub-inspection mark consisting of the script initials "D.F.C." is a rectangle. The upper left side of the grip is stamped: 'RU/R" followed by what appears to be the rack number "K165" with the "K" stamped backwards. The significance of this marking is unknown but it appears to be a unit marking - probably state militia.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Long Colt
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 54884
Condition: Extremely fine. The revolver is all original and retains 70% of the original blue and color casehardened finish. The barrel has a smooth, blue-gray patina with considerable mounts of blue finish in protected areas. The 'feathered' factory polishing marks are visible on either side of the front sight blade and above the ejector housing stud. The barrel legend, proof mark and sub-inspection mark are crisp. The cylinder retains about 70% of the blue finish with edge wear and some scattered flash pitting. All of the cylinder markings are crisp. The trigger guard and back strap retain about 70% of the blue finish with typical handling wear on contact points - the markings are crisp, The frame, hammer and losing gate have nearly 80% of the casehardened finish intact. The frame screws are in very good condition and retain substantial amounts of the original niter blue finish. The grip is in very good condition with limited handling wear and crisp markings. The bore is bright and the action is crisp and functions perfectly. This is a very good, original, example of an early "D.F.C." sub-inspected Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver.
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