3380

Scarce Documented New York Militia, Rinaldo A. Carr Inspected, U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry Model

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,750.00 USD Estimated At:9,500.00 - 14,000.00 USD
Scarce Documented New York Militia, Rinaldo A. Carr Inspected, U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry Model
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Estimate: $9500 - 14000
This is a fine example of a Colt U.S. Contract Single Action Cavalry Revolver that was manufactured in 1891 and inspected by Ordnance Inspector Capt. Stanhope E. Blunt and Ordnance Sub-Inspector Rinaldo A. Carr (R.A.C.). This revolver was purchased by the Ordnance Department as part of the final contract for 2,000 Colt Single Action Revolvers dated September 19, 1890. This revolver is one of 800 refurbished Colt Single Action Cavalry revolvers with 7 1/2 inch barrels and matching serial numbers issued to the New York Militia in 1895. This revolver is identified by serial number as a New York Militia revolver on page 85 of "COLT CAVALRY AND ARTILLERY REVOLVERS" by Sterling Fenn and John A. Kopec. The revolver has the Colt blue finish on the barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The hammer, frame and loading gate have a casehardened finish. The one-piece walnut grip is oil finished. The ejector rod head is the late oval pattern introduced on Cavalry Single Actions about serial number 113,000. The hammer is the Cavalry pattern with elongated knurling on the spur. 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.-" in one line. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt "two-line/three-date" patent markings introduced around serial number 136,417, followed by the "U.S" property mark. The assembly number "729" is stamped on the loading gate. The underside of the barrel is stamped with a "P" proof mark and the "R.A.C." sub-inspection mark. A "P" proof and "R.AC." sub-inspection mark are stamped on the side of the cylinder. The "R.A.C." Sub-Inspector's mark is stamped on the bottom of the frame above the serial number and on the left grip heel. A "K" Colt inspection mark is stamped below the serial number on the trigger guard and back strap. "K" and "O" are stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole and "K" is stamped on the end of the ejector housing. The full serial number, "137796" is stamped on the bottom of the barrel, frame, trigger guard cylinder and back strap. All of the visible serial numbers match. The full serial numbers on the barrel and cylinder were added by Colt in 1895. This serial number "137796" on the barrel is photographed on page 19 of "Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia" with the caption, "Rare Six Digit Serial Number".
BBL: 7 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Long Colt
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 137796
Condition: Very fine. The revolver retains 50% of the blue and casehardened finish. "Feathered" polishing marks are visible on either side of the front sight blade and above the ejector housing stud. The barrel has moderate finish wear and scattered dents and scratches on the underside next to the ejector housing. The trigger guard and back strap have a dove-gray patina with significant amounts of the blue finish in protected areas. The cylinder has aged to a blue gray patina and retains most of the blue finish in the flutes. The frame, hammer and loading gate retain close to 90% of the casehardened finish. The case colors have aged to a gray-brown patina. The walnut grip is also fine with moderate handing marks. Traces of what appear to be New York Militia rack numbers are visible on the right side of the grip. The factory and Ordnance inspection marks are crisp. The action functions fine. This is a very fine example of an 1891 production, R.A.C. sub-inspected, Colt Cavalry Model revolver issued to the New York Militia.