USFA U.S. Firearms Custer Battlefield 1873 Single Action Army .45 Revolver
SOLD FOR: $3825
LSB#: 210607RH48
Make: U.S. Firearms (USFA)
Model: Custer Battlefield Model 1873 Single Action Army Reproduction
Serial Number: 6671
Year of Manufacture: 2005-2012
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “+ U.S. F.A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. +”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871 / PAT. JULY.2. 1872.”. The bottom-right of the barrel under the ejector housing, the outside of the cylinder, the bottom of the frame in front of the trigger guard, the bottom of the trigger guard and the butt are marked with the serial number “6671”. The rear of the frame and the rear face of the loading gate have assembly number “364”. The assembly number is hand-written in the backstrap inlet of the grip which is also stamped “869” or “698”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “R”. The hammer slot is marked “Z”, “1” and “5”. The bottom of the barrel at the rear is marked “P”. The bottom of the barrel, the trigger guard, the outside of the cylinder and the top of the backstrap each have an “A” Ainsworth inspection stamp. The left of the grip has a boxed “OWA” cartouche (O.W. Ainsworth).
Barrel Length: 7 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”notch in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth walnut. The grip has no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: The finish is a factory “Antiqued” Blue.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its metal finish as factory “Antiqued”. There is no notable wear or damage apart from that applied at the factory, only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Cylinder lockup produces almost no play on each chamber. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder has a removable bushing. The firing pin is conical, the spur’s checkering is hand-cut and there is no window in the loading gate at the hinge, indicative of US-made parts. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a two-piece cardboard USFA box with black exterior, green interior, serial-matching label, brown fabric USFA pouch, and an assortment of paperwork including manual. The box has minor storage wear, in Fine condition.
Our Assessment: Colt’s Model 1873, the Single Action Army, is the “gun that won the west”, perhaps the most iconic handgun of all time. For nearly 150 years, the gun has been produced in a variety of configurations, finishes and calibers. Among its most iconic users were the men of the 7th Cavalry Regiment as led by Lieutenant Colonel George Custer. Custer’s Last Stand is one of the more famous pieces of the history of the American West, and the Model 1873 revolvers recovered from this battle are among the most sought-after collector firearms in the world. Well, if you don’t want to sell your house to buy one of those, this is the next best thing! Made with the features of the original 1873 revolvers including black-powder frame, removable bushing, one-piece grip, and even marking styles, it also has a factory “Antique” finish, despite showing no notable wear or damage from actual use. This revolver is in absolutely Excellent condition, appearing to have spent more time in its serial-matching USFA box and factory packaging than out. This gorgeous revolver will make a great addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!