198

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

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:800.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Ainsworth Inspected U.S. Cavalry Colt Single Action Army Revolver
Buyer's Premium is 20.5% by credit card, reduced to 18% if payment is made by cash, check or wire transfer. Contact Rock Island Auction Company to complete your registration with the auction house.
Estimate: $2000 - 4000
Manufactured in 1874 under the observation of Orville W. Ainsworth, the first Principal Sub-Inspector assigned to Colt by the War Department. This specific revolver (S/N 6200) is in the Custer era. According to Kopec and Fenn in "Colt Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers a Continued Study" 7th Cavalry Colts were found almost exclusively in Colt Lots 5 and 6 representing serial numbers 4500-5504, 5505-6516 and 6517-7527. It is estimated that 252 to 300 Colt revolvers were lost in the Battle of The Little Big Horn to hostiles. Serial number 6201 is listed in Kopec's book on page 270 as being one of the revolvers in the "prime Custer Serial Number Ranges" from Colt Lot 6 that was returned to Colt in 1895 as a "Unserviceable" Cavalry revolver. The top of the barrel is marked with the one line address and the left side of the frame is marked with the two line, two patent dates followed by "U.S." The bottom of the barrel ahead of the cylinder pin is marked with a "A" and "P" . The "A" and "P" are also marked on the cylinder and "A" on the trigger guard below the serial number and on the top of the back strap. The matching serial number is marked on the barrel at the breech just above the ejector housing, cylinder, bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. Blade front and frame notch rear sights, donut ejector rod head and fitted with a smooth one-piece walnut grip with the date "18??" over an oval cartouche. Comes with an extra smooth one-piece walnut grip and ejector rod spring.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 LC
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 6200
Condition: Refinished with the barrel lengthened back to 7 1/2 inch configuration. The metal surfaces have a smooth artificial mottled brown patina with some light pitting on the frame and cylinder from black powder flash. The grip has been sanded and revarnished some time ago and remains good with some chips on the bottom edges, a few dents on the bottom and some minor dents and dings. The ejector rod spring needs replacing. The barrel and frame markings and inspection marks are clear. The action only goes to half cock. The extra grip is good with a few dents on the bottom, some minor lower edge wear and a few minor dings and handling marks.