3234

Very Fine "David F. Clark." Inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Revolver with Scarce Geo

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:15,000.00 USD Estimated At:30,000.00 - 60,000.00 USD
Very Fine  David F. Clark.  Inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Revolver with Scarce Geo
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This very fine, original U.S. Colt Model 1873 Single Action Cavalry revolver was manufactured in 1887. This revolver was sub-inspected by Ordnance inspector David F. Clark and has the "D.F.C." sub-inspection mark on major components. The right side of the grip is prominently stamped with a "GA" Georgia militia mark. The revolver 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 casehardened finish. The screws and trigger are niter blued. The one-piece walnut grip is oil finished. The ejector rod has the oval head introduced at about serial number 113,000. The hammer has the deep-cut, elongated, knurling on the spur. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the "elongated block" address: "COLT'S P.T. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD Ct. U.S.A.-" in one line. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt "three-date/three-line" patent markings followed by the "U.S." property mark. The underside of the barrel is stamped with a small "P" proof mark followed by the "D.F.C." sub-inspection mark. The "D.F.C." sub-inspection mark is also stamped on the bottom of the frame, on the left heel of the grip and on the side of the cylinder. A "P" proof mark is stamped on the cylinder. The full serial number, "120378" is stamped on the bottom of the frame below the "D.F.C." mark and on the trigger guard and the back strap. The partial serial number "0378" is stamped on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The loading gate is marked with the assembly number "394". A Colt "G" inspection mark is visible in the frame hammer well above the firing pin hole. The left side of the grip is stamped with the script "JGB" final acceptance mark of Ordnance final inspector Captain John G. Butler above the date "1887". The initials "JGB" are not enclosed in a circular or rectangular cartouche. Captain Butler's final inspection mark is the only one in the entire U.S. cavalry single action production series with un-bordered initials. David F. Clark's sub-inspection mark consisting of the script initials "DFC" in a rectangle with rounded corners is stamped below the "GA" militia mark on the right side of the grip. Six distinct notches are carved in the left butt behind the "D.F.C." sub-inspection mark.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Long Colt
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 120378
Condition: Very fine. The revolver is completely original and retains 70% of the original blue finish. The barrel and ejector housing have nearly all of the military blue finish with some minor high point wear. The "feathered" polishing marks are clearly visible on either side of the front sight blade and above the ejector housing stud. The trigger guard has most of the blue finish. The back strap shows typical handling wear and has faded to a dull gray patina. The cylinder has a plum brown patina with significant amounts of blue finish in the cylinder flutes. The frame, loading gate and hammer have 60% plus of the original casehardened finish with some silvering on contact points and strong case colors in protected areas. The trigger and frame screws show the original niter blue finish in protected areas. All of the factory markings, serial numbers, proof and inspection marks are crisp. The grip is in very good condition with light to moderate handling wear. The "JGB", "DFC" inspection marks and the "1887" date show handling wear but remain legible. The "GA" property mark is sharp. The action is tight and functions perfectly. This is a very fine, original, example of an original, "D.F.C." sub-inspected Colt Cavalry Model Single Action revolver.