3368

Scarce A. P. Casey Inspected U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry Model Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 45,000.00 USD
Scarce A. P. Casey Inspected U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry Model Revolver
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Estimate: $25000 - 45000
This is a very fine example of an Indian War era U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver that was manufactured in 1875. This revolver is one of the Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolvers in the serial number range from 16,433-19,529 that were inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector A. P. Casey. The top of the barrel is marked with the early one line script address "+COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.+", the underside is marked with a "P" and "C", the sub-inspectors mark of A.P. Casey, and the left side of the frame is marked with the two line, two patent dates followed by "US". The cylinder is also marked with a "C" and "P", and there is a "C" on the trigger guard directly below the serial number, on the top of the back strap, in the hammer well above the firing pin hole and on the bottom of the grip on the right side. The loading gate is marked with the assembly number "479". The right side of the frame is stamped with the rack number "5". The complete matching serial number is marked on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap with the partial serial number "6766" on the barrel under the ejector housing, on the cylinder and written in pencil in the back strap inlet of the grip. Just ahead of the serial number on the frame, on the butt and underside of the barrel is a hunting dog on point. The stamp is well executed and writer has no idea of the originality. The first style ejector housing has the secondary barrel boss that fits in a corresponding hole in the barrel and "bullseye" ejector rod head. The revolver is finished in the Colt military blue with a casehardened frame and hammer, which is the cavalry style with the elongated checkering on the spur. Standard blade front and frame notch rear sights, and fitted with a smooth oil finished one-piece walnut grip with the rack number "5" on the upper right side and a clear boxed script "APC" cartouche on the lower left. The initials "WM" are lightly scratched on the bottom of the left side of the grip.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 LC
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 16766
Condition: Very fine. The revolver retains 70% of the original military blue and casehardened finish with 50% of the blue finish present on protected areas of the barrel and ejector housing; the balance is a smooth blue-gray patina. The feathered polishing marks are still clearly visible on either side of the front sight blade. The cylinder has a smooth, blue-gray patina with most of the original blue finish in the cylinder flutes. The trigger guard has 50% of the blue finish remaining and the back strap has a smooth blue-gray patina with substantial amounts of original finish in protected areas. The frame, hammer and loading gate retain 80% of the original casehardened finish. The casehardened finish has muted with age but the case colors are fully visible. The frame, trigger guard and grip screws retain considerable niter blue finish and are free from screw-driver marks. The grip is very good. The "APC" Ordnance sub-inspection mark on the lower left side of the grip is clear and fully legible. The small "C" sub-inspection mark on the right heel and the "5" rack number on the upper right side of the grip are sharp. The markings are all crisp and clear. The action is tight and functions perfectly. This is an outstanding example of a scarce A.P. Casey sub-inspected U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver.