SOLD - Very Rare Colt Cavalry Model Revolver - Draper Inspected

Description

9/27/24 - This is a beautiful example of a very rare, Lewis Draper-inspected Colt Cavalry model revolver from 1876. The revolver has the duel sub-inspection marks of Lewis Draper (L.D.) on the frame and John T. Cleveland (J.T.C.) on the barrel, side of the cylinder and right heel of the grip. "Duel Sub-Inspected" Cavalry Model Single Actions are extremely desirable revolvers. Cleveland inspected only ~5,000 pieces and this one is in the proper serial range, but Draper only inspected 1-2k (all frames), making this a very rare piece with a low survival rate as they were still seeing extensive military action at that time. The one-piece walnut grip is oil finished. The revolver has the early "bullseye" ejector rod head and "cavalry" hammer with cone-shaped hammer and elongated bordered knurling on the spur. The barrel is roll-stamped with the Second Style condensed block letter address "-COLT'S P.T.F.A. MFG.Co. HARTFORD.CT.U.S.A.-". The barrel, cylinder and right side grip are JTC marked. The barrel, receiver, cylinder, trigger guard and grip strap all have matching serial numbers. While this is a beautiful example, we do believe the finish was professionally restored at some point. The bore is generally shiny with strong rifling, but has minor pitting at a couple of points in the grooves. Listing includes Colt archive letter.