SOLD - Rare, Ainsworth-Inspected Colt Single Action Army - Possible Custer Gun

Description

5/21/25 - This is a rare and Colt Artillery Model Single Action Army revolver from the 1870's. It is completely matching and U.S. military accepted. 4 7/8 in barrel with Ainsworth 'A' on barrel, trigger guard, top of back strap, and cylinder. Matching serial numbers throughout (barrel, cylinder, trigger guard, frame, grip strap). Correct two-line patent date (Sept / July) on left side of frame. The top of the barrel has "+COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A." marking with the die break in the "o" in "Co.", and the left of the frame has the "U.S." martial marking. This gun's serial number places it in the Lot Six range of the Custer-issued Colts that were carried at the infamous Battle of the Little Bighorn. The different serial number ranges are categorized as Lots Five, Six, Seven, and Eight with guns in Lot Five being the most likely Custer-issued guns and Lot Eight being the least likely. So this gun's serial number places it toward the more likely end of being Custer-issue gun. This particular gun is in fair condition overall, but there is obvious brown "attic patina" and pin-pricking throughout. There is obvious rounding of the edges of the grip panels, and there is an "R" carved onto the left side. Smooth action and fully functional with all four "clicks". The bore has pretty good rifling for its age, but there is obvious spotty surface oxidation and pitting throughout. No FFL required.