Page 161 - Auction84-Book3
P. 161

      LOT 3280
Desirable U.S. Ainsworth Inspected Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver with John Kopec Letter - Serial
no. 11820, 45 LC cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1874. O.W. Ainsworth’s desirable “A” inspector mark is found on the trigger guard, barrel, cylinder, back strap and bottom of grip. A “P” proof is found
on the cylinder and barrel. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address, and the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by “US.” The ejector rod has a bullseye head. The left side of the grip has a legible “OWA” script letter cartouche. The matching full or partial serial number is found on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, and barrel. Ainsworth physically inspected SAA revolvers recorded in the serial number range 200 through 14343. This was the first major block of U.S. Cavalry revolvers, and today they are rarely found in original configuration with original finish. This revolver escaped the Artillery Model modification recall in the late 19th to early 20th century and remains in original Cavalry Model configuration. In the accompanying letter of authentication, John Kopec states the revolver was likely issued to the 8th Cavalry which was then stationed in Texas and the New Mexico Territory.
CONDITION: Very good, retaining strong traces of original blue finish in the protected areas; otherwise, the revolver has a smooth dark brown patina. Hints of original case colors remain on the hammer. The grip is also very good with high edge wear, some minor handling marks, and a faint legible cartouche. Hammer spring has been replaced. Mechanically needs work as the cylinder does not rotate properly when action is cycled (hand spring absent).
Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 12,000
“This revolver’s serial number 11820 falls between
two Eighth Cavalry issued revolvers. Contingents of the Eighth Cavalry were at that time stationed
throughout the various camps and forts in Texas and New Mexico Territory.”
-John A. Kopec
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