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Historic and Rare Documented U.S. Colt Ainsworth Inspected New York Militia Single Action Army Caval

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:9,000.00 USD Estimated At:18,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
Historic and Rare Documented U.S. Colt Ainsworth Inspected New York Militia Single Action Army Caval
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Estimate: $18000 - 25000
Manufactured in 1874, the second year of production, this U.S. Cavalry Colt revolver was at some point in time returned to the factory for re-issue. Features the standard blade front and notch rear sights. On page 28 of "Colt Cavalry and Artillery Revolvers" by John A. Kopec and H. Sterling Fenn, this specific revolver is listed by serial number as being one of the Ainsworth New York Militia Revolvers. The text preceding the serial number chamber states that, "Most have not yet been discovered…". This makes this already highly desirable Custer Era Ainsworth Colt Cavalry SAA even more desirable. The top of the barrel is marked with the early slant letter "+ COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A+." with the two line, two patent date marking on the left side of the frame followed by "U.S.". The cylinder, trigger guard and top of the back strap are marked with an "A" and there is also a "P" on the cylinder. There is a "C" marked in the hammer well. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, back strap, barrel under the correct ejector housing and cylinder. The loading gate is marked with the assembly number "879". The ejector rod head is the correct early "bulls eye" or donut style with the hole in the center, blue finish with casehardened frame and hammer, and fitted with a smooth one-piece walnut grip. The revolver is accompanied by a typed notarized letter dated December 3, 1994 from an individual who states the revolver had been in his family for 75-80 years and was given to his Grandfather by a Hungarian emigrant during the Ludlow Massacre during the coal mine strikes at the coal mines near Trinidad, Colorado in 1914. The Grandfather helped the emigrant out by letting him stay at his home for several weeks and this revolver was the only thing the emigrant had of any value so he gave it to the man as a showing of appreciation.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 LC
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 6474
Condition: Very fine. The metal surfaces have 40% blue with the balance a mottled gray patina with bright original blue finish in protected areas. There is some blue present on the cylinder, heaviest in the flutes. The frame shows 40% original case colors with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The grip is about good with hole carved into the upper left side, some flattening on the left side, lower edge wear and numerous dings on the bottom, which also extent to the butt of the back strap. The markings are clear. The action is excellent.