SOLD - Extremely Scarce Colt Cavalry Model Revolver - 3-Digit, Ainsworth Inspected

Description

11/25/24 - This is an extremely rare and historically significant Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army revolver from 1874. It is serial number 620, Ainsworth inspected and U.S. military accepted. Full military inspection is believed to have started with serial number 202, making this the 419th ever made! Proper 7.5in barrel with Ainsworth 'A' on barrel, trigger guard, top of back strap and cylinder. Correctly, an example this early has no lot number on the gate or frame. Orville W. Ainsworth's inspection is also still visible on the left side grip. 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. The ejector rod has a correct bullseye head. The first U.S. government contract for 8,000 cavalry revolvers were in the S# range of 200-14,343 and were inspected at the Colt plant from mid October 1873 through November 7, 1874. Revolvers from this order were used during the major Indian wars & at Custer’s Last Stand.

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The finish on this revolver is original but obviously worn with patina and oxidation throughout. The bore is surprisingly excellent, with strong rifling and minor frost/wear. The grips show smoothing, and a small chip in the bottom of the right side. The screws show age and wear but hard to say with any certainty how long they've been on the revolver. Timing and lockup are good.