SOLD - Rare Colt SAA Revolver Artillery Model - Ainsworth Inspected

Description

9/27/24 - This is a nice example of a Colt US single action artillery model. The action is tight as a drum and works perfectly on all 4 clicks. The frame is "US" property marked with various mixed military numbers. "DFC", "RAC" inspection stamps. There is also a tiny "A" military inspection stamp (for Ainsworth) just above the trigger guard (a bit hard to see). The trigger guard also has an early serial number. Manufactured in 1887 under the observation of Orville W. Ainsworth, the first Principal Sub-Inspector assigned to Colt by the War Department. This is a rare inspector to see. The grips have visible military inspection cartouches, and the left side is dated 1901. Overall, it is in pretty nice condition for its age. There is noticeable finish loss on the receiver and obvious spotty oxidation with tiny pits throughout. The grips show bruising. The bore has great rifling, but it shows freckling throughout. No FFL required.