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New Jersey Marked David F. Clark Inspected U.S. Colt Model 1873 Cavalry Revolver with Holster

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,750.00 USD Estimated At:NA
New Jersey Marked David F. Clark Inspected U.S. Colt Model 1873 Cavalry Revolver with Holster
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Estimate: $5500 - 7500
Colt 1873 Cavalry Model Revolver manufactured in 1884. The revolver is boldly stamped with New Jersey (N.J.) property marks on the left side of the barrel and on the bottom of the right grip heel. A rack number " C 16" is stamped on the bottom of the left grip heel. The "D.F.C." sub-inspection stamp of Ordnance Sub-Inspector David F. Clark is located on the underside of the barrel, the bottom of the frame and on the side of the cylinder. The "U.S." property mark is stamped on the left side of the frame. A "P" proofmark is stamped in front of the "D.F.C." mark on the underside of the barrel and on the side of the cylinder. A "G" is stamped below the serial number on the trigger guard and back strap. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the ''elongated block'' address: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A." in a single line. The Colt 'three-dates in three-lines' patent markings are roll-stamped on the left side of the frame. The assembly number "112" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The full serial number, "133533" is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "3533" is stamped on the underside of the barrel and the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The revolver has the correct ''bullseye'' ejector rod head and cavalry style hammer with bordered, elongated, knurling on the spur. The revolver is accompanied by a late production Civil War holster for a .44 caliber Army revolver with the 1896 belt loop modification. An identical holster is illustrated on page 302 of "A STUDY OF THE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER" by Graham, Kopec and Moore. A number of late production, Army sized, Civil War revolver holsters were altered for use with 45-70 or 30-40 web cartridge belts by replacing the original belt loop with a wider belt loop that enabled the holster to be worn over a loaded cartridge belt. During the Spanish American War and Philippine Insurrection, many of these holsters were issued to state militia or National Guard units equipped with Cavalry Model Single Action revolvers. The black leather holster is not marked but has the late Civil War pattern riveted closure strap with reinforced stitching. The extended belt loop is secured by six brass rivets. Examples of this holster are scarce.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Long Colt
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 113533
Condition: The revolver is completely original and is in good overall condition with no original finish. The metal surfaces have been lightly cleaned and have a silver-gray patina. The barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap have scattered patches of what appears to be blood pitting. The revolver factory markings, serial numbers, proofmarks and the Ordnance sub-inspection marks on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap are clear. The one-piece walnut grip is in good overall condition the "N.J." marking and rack numbers on the grip heels are crisp. The sides of the grip have moderate-heavy handling wear; no traces of the inspection date or Ordnance final inspector and sub-inspector are visible. The revolver is fully functional. The holster is in excellent plus condition. The black leather body is smooth with tight stitching. The holster flap has the normal flex marks but remains in excellent condition. The latch tab on the flap is original. This is an original example of a scarce Colt Model 1873 Cavalry Holster and a solid and all original example of a D.F.C. inspected Colt 1873 Cavalry Model revolver.