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New York Militia Colt Single Action Cavalry Model Revolver with Scarce Signal Corps Markings

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:7,000.00 USD Estimated At:14,000.00 - 22,500.00 USD
New York Militia Colt Single Action Cavalry Model Revolver with Scarce Signal Corps Markings

Estimate: $14000 - 22500
This is a very fine example of a U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry Model Revolver that was manufactured in 1891 as part of the final Ordnance Single Action Revolver contract and issued to the New York State Militia. The bottom of the back strap is stamped with the New York Militia rack number "2/SC/35" (2nd Brigade Signal Corps, revolver no. 35) and the left side of the grip is stamped with Signal Corps insignia consisting of crossed signal flags with "2" above the flags and "NY" below them. The rack number, "35" is stamped below the insignia. Identical markings are illustrated on page 132 of "COLT CAVALRY AND ARTILLERY REVOLVERS ") by John Kopec and Sterling Fenn. This revolver was inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector Rinaldo A. Carr (R.A.C.) and Captain Stanhope E. Blunt (SEB) and has the Colt military blue finish on the barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The frame, loading gate and hammer have a color case-hardened finish and the one-piece walnut grip is oil finished. 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 found only on very late production, "R.A.C." sub-inspected revolvers followed by the "U.S." property mark. 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, on the side of the cylinder and on the left heel of the grip. A "K" Colt sub-inspection mark is stamped on the trigger guard, the back strap, on the front of the ejector housing and on the barrel behind the ejector housing stud. "P" proof marks 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, "136974" is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number. "6974", is stamped on the barrel beneath the ejector housing and on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The assembly number, "281", 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. The sub-inspection mark which consists of the script initials "RAC" in a rectangle is stamped on the lower right side of the grip below the Signal Corps markings. Single Action revolvers with the New York Signal Corps markings stamped on the grips are scarce; Kopec and Fenn identify four revolvers by serial number with these markings (this revolver is not one of the four) and the highest rack number listed is "53".
BBL: 7 1/2 In
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Colt
Finish: blue/case-hardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 136974
Condition: Very fine. The revolver is all original and retains 60% plus of the blue and case-hardened finish. The barrel shows correct 'feathered' polishing marks on either side of the front sight blade. The exposed side of the ejector housing has holster wear. The cylinder has aged to a blue-brown patina with original finish in the flutes and some flash pitting along the leading edges. The trigger guard has a dark brown patina on contact points. The back strap has a silver-gray patina with considerable blue in protected areas. The case hardened finish on the frame, hammer and loading gate has aged to a mottled plum patina with strong case colors in protected areas. All of the markings on the barrel, frame, cylinder and trigger guard are sharp. The bore is bright. The action is crisp and tight but the hammer will not hold at half-cock. The grip is in very good condition with moderate handling wear. The date and ordnance final inspection and sub-inspection marks on the lower edges of the grip show handling wear but remain legible. The New York Signal Corps markings on the right side of the grips are strong and are in far better condition than the markings illustrated in "COLT CAVALRY AND ARTILLERY REVOLVERS". This is a very attractive example of a late production, New York Militia Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver with scarce and colorful Signal Corps markings.
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