^Lot 3229 Fine U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry Model Revolver

This fine Colt U.S. contract Single Action Cavalry Model Revolver was manufactured in 1885. The revolver was inspected by Ordnance Inspector Captain Frank Heath (F.H.) and Ordnance Sub-Inspector David F. Clark (D.F.C.). A number of Colt Single Action Cavalry Revolvers in this serial number range are recorded as being issued to the New York State Militia. Serial numbers 116824 and 116923 were issued to the famous 10th Cavalry Regiment (Buffalo Soldiers) in 1892. The revolver has a military blue finish on the barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The frame, hammer and loading gate have a casehardened finish and the one-piece walnut grip is oil finished. The revolver has the correct "bulls-eye" style ejector housing and cavalry hammer with elongated bordered knurling on the spur. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the Fourth Style, "elongated block", address "COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.-" in one line. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt "Three Dates in Three Lines" patent markings followed by the "U.S." property mark. The loading gate is stamped with the assembly or bin number "64". The underside of the barrel is stamped with the partial serial number "6931" beneath the ejector housing and a "P" proof mark followed by the "D.F.C." sub-inspection mark directly in front of the cylinder pin. "D.F.C./116931" is stamped on the bottom of the frame. The trigger guard is stamped "116931/G" in front of the bow. "116/931/G" is stamped on the bottom of the back strap. The side of the cylinder is stamped with the partial serial number "6931", a "P" proof mark and the "D.F.C." sub-inspection mark. All of the visible serial numbers match. A small "S" Colt sub-inspection mark is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder and a "G" is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole. The left side of the grip is stamped with the date "1885" above the final inspection mark of Captain Frank Health which consists of the script initials "FH" in an oval. "D.F.C." is stamped on the left grip heel. The Ordnance Sub-inspector's mark consisting of the script initials "D.F.C." in a rectangle with rounded ends is stamped on the lower right side of the grip. What appears to be the partial unit marking "AF" is stamped on the lower left side of the grip over the sub-inspection mark. Most Cavalry Model Single Action Revolvers were altered to "Artillery" configuration with 5 1/2-inch barrels and mixed serial numbers when they were overhauled by Colt or Springfield Armory. Original unaltered Cavalry Model revolvers are scarce.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Long Colt
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 116931
Condition: Fine. The revolver retains 30% of the original blue and casehardened finish. The barrel retains original blue finish in protected areas and underneath the ejector housing the balance has a smooth silver-gray patina. Considerable blue finish is present on protected areas of the trigger guard and back strap. The cylinder has a smooth silver-gray patina. The frame also retains 30% of the original color casehardened finish overall. The case colors have silvered on the loading gate and hammer. The hammer and grip screws retains considerable niter blue finish. The barrel markings, frame markings, "D.F.C." sub-inspection marks, proof marks and serial numbers are sharp. The grip is in fine condition with several minor handling marks and legible date, Ordnance final inspection mark and sub-inspection marks. The action is crisp and functions well. This is a fine original example of a David F. Clark Sub-inspected Colt Single Action Cavalry Model Revolver.