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Scarce "D.F.C." Sub-Inspected, New York Militia U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:5,500.00 USD Estimated At:11,000.00 - 16,000.00 USD
Scarce  D.F.C.  Sub-Inspected, New York Militia U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry Revolver

Estimate: $11000 - 16000
This is a very fine example of a U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry Model Revolver that was manufactured in 1882 and inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector David F. Clark (DFC). The revolver is stamped with "DFC" sub- inspection and final inspection marks in the appropriate locations. This revolver is one of 800 Cavalry Models that were refurbished by Colt and issued to the New York State Militia c. 1895. These revolvers are described in detail on pages 127-140 of "COLT CAVALRY AND ARTILLERY REVOLVERS" by Kopec and Fenn. In addition to New York markings on the grip and back strap, these revolvers have all matching serial numbers (including the FULL serial number on the cylinder and blued hammers. The revolver has the New York rack number, "30" stamped in large numerals at the junction of the grip and frame and "6 BATTERY" stamped in smaller letters on the body of the grip (80 Single Action revolvers were issued to the Sixth Battery, New York State Militia). The finish on the hammer is worn but it appears to have been blued. The original partial serial number on the cylinder, "2621" has been over-stamped with the full serial number "84073". The grip has been re-finished but the lower right heel is stamped with a crisp "R.A.C." sub-inspection mark. The revolver has a 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. The one-piece walnut grip has an oil finish. The revolver has the "bullseye" ejector rod head used until approximately serial number 113,000. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the "Elongated Block Letter" address "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.". Small "D.F.C." sub-inspection stamps are located on the underside of the barrel, the bottom of the frame and on the side of the cylinder. A "P" proofmark is stamped on the underside of the barrel in front of the sub-inspection mark and on the side of the cylinder. The left side of the frame is stamped with the Colt "three-dates/three-line" patent marking followed by the "U.S." property mark. The assembly number "2504" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. Colt "C" and "G" inspection marks are stamped on the underside of the barrel behind the ejector housing stud. A Colt "J" inspection mark is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder between the chambers. "H" is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole. The full serial number, "84073" is stamped on the bottom of the underside of the barrel, frame, trigger guard, cylinder and back strap. The cylinder was re-numbered when the revolver was refurbished by Colt; all of the visible serial numbers match.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Long Colt
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 84073
Condition: Very fine. The revolver retains at least 85% plus of the bright factory blue and casehardened finish from the Colt factory refurbishment c.1895. The barrel has nearly all of the blue finish intact with some minor holster wear at the muzzle and light holster wear along the side of the ejector housing. All of the barrel markings are crisp. The cylinder has about 85% of the blue finish intact with sharp markings. The grip strap and back strap have typical handling wear. The frame and loading gate retain more than 90% of the casehardened finish with vivid case colors. The hammer is a silver-gray with traces of blue finish in protected areas. The grip is also in very fine condition with scattered, minor handling wear and crisp New York markings. The action is crisp and functions perfectly. U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry revolvers with New York markings are a distinct and desirable variation of the Colt Cavalry Model revolver. This is a wonderful example of a U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Revolver.
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