3136

SCARCE CUSTER RANGE COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
SCARCE CUSTER RANGE COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION
ARMY REVOLVER WITH KOPEC LETTER. Cal. 45. S# 6565. This serial number was just added to the database in mid 2014. It is only 6 serial numbers removed from a single action (Sn 6559) that belonged to Custer’s 7th US Cavalry at the date of the Custer battle, June 25, 1876. John Kopec noted author & historian is the accepted authority on Custer Era Colt single action revolvers. His letters of authentication document history & physical characteristics of the specific gun. His letter accompanies this SAA. Usual configuration other than bbl. has been shortened 5 5/8”, this gun also was found & w/ ivory grips which have been properly restored w/ wood. Correct 1 line script letter address, left side of frame has 2 line patent dates & "U.S." stamped upside down (there are 8 other guns in this serial range w/ this same most unusual “upside down US” ranging from serial number 6538-6764). Tiny "A" (Orville W. Ainsworth) sub-inspector initials found on several parts including bottom of bbl., trigger guard, backstrap & cyl. Matching S#'s were found on the frame, trigger guard, backstrap & cyl. Ejector housing is 3rd. type w/ new bullseye ejector rod head. A bbl. stud has been affixed to the bbl. when this gun was modified w/ shortened bbl. & new ejector. Base pin is correct type w/ dimpled ends. Revolver has early features consisting of a sharp toe on the buttstrap & lg. cyl. stop notches w/out approaches. This revolver was part of Lot 7 from which the 1st, 2nd & 7th Cavalry regiments were issued the "new" revolvers in 1874 w/ the 7th Cavalry receiving unknown number of revolvers from the S# range 6517 – 7527. Probably the most significant Custer identified Lot 7 revolver is serial number 7047 which was recovered from the Custer Battlefield in 1933. The fact that this revolver has remained in original configuration until today is indicative that it escaped the recalls of the 1890s & early 20th century & further promotes the idea that it may have been captured by hostiles in June 1876. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: letter of authentication. CONDITION: good overall. Bbl. address, s#'s & inspector marks are discernible. As noted, grips are proper restorations, there are several replay screws, ejector is replaced, bbl. was privately shortened & a modified front sight was added. Even though well used, cleaned & restored; this gun presents beautifully w/ crisp markings, only top line of patents on frame is weak & the well struck upside down US is quite the novelty. (01-16837/JS). ANTIQUE. $10,000-15,000.