3390

Colt, "R.A.C." Inspected Single Action Cavalry Model Revolver with New York Signal Corps Markings an

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
Colt,  R.A.C.  Inspected Single Action Cavalry Model Revolver with New York Signal Corps Markings an
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Estimate: $10000 - 15000
U.S. Contract Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver manufactured in 1891. This was the final year of production for U.S. Contract Single Action revolvers. The revolver is accompanied by a Colt factory letter that states it was delivered to the "United States Government Inspector at Colt Plant" on April 19, 1891, as part of a shipment of 250 revolvers. The revolver was inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector Rinaldo A. Carr (R.A.C.) and Captain Stanhope E. Blunt (SEB). This revolver was issued to the New York Militia and is stamped "3SC/15" (Third Brigade Signal Corps, No. 15") on the left side of the grip. Discussion of the "3SC" markings is found on pages 136-140 of "COLT CAVALRY AND ARTILLERY REVOLVERS" by Kopec and Fenn and similar markings are shown on Colt Single Action No. 140314. In addition to the "3SC" markings on the grip, the revolver butt is stamped "B/15". The revolver backstrap is fitted with a lanyard swivel. The lanyard swivel is found on many New York Militia revolvers; Kopec and Fenn state on page 129 of "COLT CAVALRY AND ARTILLERY REVOLVERS" that the swivels were probably installed by state armorers. The revolver has the standard 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 and one-piece oil-finished walnut grip. The revolver has the oval ejector housing adopted about serial number 113,000 and the cavalry style hammer with elongated bordered knurling on the spur. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with address "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.-" in elongated block letters. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt three-date/two-line patent markings followed by the "U.S" property mark. The three-date/two-line patent markings are found only on very late production U.S. contract revolvers. The Sub-Inspector's initials, "R.A.C." are stamped on the underside of the barrel, the bottom of the frame above the serial number and on the lower left side of the grip. A "K" Colt sub-inspection mark is stamped on the trigger guard, the backstrap, in the hammer well above the firing pin hole, on the front of the ejector housing and on the barrel behind the ejector housing stud. "P" proofmarks are stamped on the underside of the barrel in front of the "R.A.C." sub-inspection mark and on the side of the cylinder. The full serial number, "140257" is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and backstrap. The partial serial number. "0257", is stamped on the barrel beneath the ejector housing. The cylinder is mis-matched and stamped with the full serial number "47509" and the Henry Nettleton "H.N." sub-inspection mark. The full serial number on the cylinder indicates that it was re-numbered when the Revolver No. 47509 was refurbished by Colt in 1895. Revolver No. 47509 was subsequently issued to the New York Militia and the cylinder was apparently "field mixed" with Revolver No. 140257. "Field Mixed" New York Militia revolvers are discussed on page 135 of Kopec and Fenn. The assembly number, "2052", is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The lower left side of the grip is stamped with the date "1891" above the script initials "SEB" enclosed in a rectangle with rounded edges. Traces of the script sub-inspection mark which consists of the script initials "RAC" in a rectangle is visible on the lower right side of the grip.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Long Colt
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 140257
Condition: Very fine. The revolver retains at least 80% of the original military blue and 60% color casehardened finish. The barrel has most of the blue finish intact and the feathered polishing marks are visible on either side of the front sight blade. There is holster wear on both sides of the muzzle, along the left side of the barrel and on the side of the ejector housing. The cylinder has wear on the front and rear edges, along the edges of the flutes and has a distinct drag line. Most of the blue is present on the trigger guard with edge wear on high points and the bow. The back strap has most of the blue finish intact with pitting and small scratches on the butt. The frame and hammer retain close to 90% of the casehardened finish with strong case colors; the frame markings are crisp. The loading gate has started to silver and has some pitting in the center. The grip is good overall with moderate handling wear consisting of numerous minor dents and scratches. The "3SC/15" unit marking and rack number on the left side of the grip are strong; the Ordnance date, final inspection and sub-inspection marks are faint but legible. The action is crisp and functions perfectly. This is a very good example of a late production, New York Militia marked, Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver with New York lanyard swivel. The New York Militia revolvers are distinctive and significant variations of the U.S Contract Colt Single revolver. A New York Militia revolver is a key component of any comprehensive collection of Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolvers.