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

Description

7/18/25 - This is a rare and Colt Artillery Model Single Action Army revolver from 1874. It is completely matching and U.S. military accepted. 4 5/8 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. Interestingly enough, the "US" property marking has been stamped upside down. This gun's serial number places it in the Lot Seven 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. 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. Smooth action and fully functional with all four "clicks". The bore has pretty good rifling for its age, but there is spotty surface oxidation and pitting throughout. Unfortunately, the ejector rod and tube are missing. No FFL required.