Colt U.S. Model 1873 Cavalry .45 Single Action Army Revolver, 1890 Antique
SOLD FOR: $7775
LSB#: 220204RT035
Make: Colt
Model: 1873 Cavalry Model Single Action Army
Serial Number: 134180
Year of Manufacture: 1890 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: 6-Shot Single Action Revolver with Side Gate Loaded Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “-COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG Co HARTFORD CT U S A.-”, the underside is marked “C” and “P” in front of the cylinder pin head. The outside of the cylinder is marked “4180”, “RAC” and “P”. The bottom of the frame at the front, the bottom of the trigger guard at the front and the butt are each marked “134180”. In front of the frame’s serial marking is “RAC”, behind the trigger guard’s serial marking is “K”, found again behind the serial marking on the butt. The hammer slot is marked “0”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871. / ” JULY. 2. -72 / ” JAN. 19. -75.” and “U.S”. The rear face of the loading gate has “1959” assembly number. The right-rear of the frame, covered by the grip, is marked “K”. The backstrap inlet of the grip has “4180” hand-written. The left of the grip has a faded “1890” over “script “SEB” in box cartouche, the right of the grip has a more faded cartouche which appears to be script “RAC” in box.
Barrel Length: 7 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a thin quarter-round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one-piece smooth walnut. The grip has some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are some spots of dark discoloration. The cartouches are worn, more legible on the left than the right. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in Fine condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: The barrel has been refinished and possibly replaced. Other metal finish appears Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray. The rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is some scattered light erosion and infrequent pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 40% of its metal finish. The muzzle is worn to white and it appears that some erosion was scrubbed out. There is a band of good finish behind this. There is a circle of discoloration around the front of the ejector housing, consistent with the mounting stud for the housing being re-installed or replaced. Other portions of the barrel have mostly gone to a light patina. The ejector housing has generally strong finish on the top and bottom with the outside showing wear and light patina. The frame has scattered remaining case color, strongest on the sides in front of the cylinder. The outside of the cylinder has mostly worn or gone to a light patina, but there is good finish on the rear face and in the flutes. The grip frame has mostly gone to a light patina or worn to white, but there is some bluing left on the butt and around the top of the trigger guard. The hammer’s case color has mostly muted. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the barrel address is worn and incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-Fine condition as partially refinished Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder locks with little play on each chamber. The cylinder bushing is removable. We have not fired this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Colt’s Single Action Army is, perhaps more than any other, an iconic American pistol. It was the U.S. issue sidearm for the last two decades of the 19th century, used by pioneers, outlaws and lawmen across the expanding nation, and captivated audiences on the silver screen and television (and still does, today). This example retains strong mechanics, a nice bore for a revolver that would have seen use with black powder more than 130 years ago, and has matching serialized parts, though the barrel has been refinished, possibly also replaced. There is some remaining original finish and the markings are in good shape apart from the barrel and grip. This is a nice example of a Model 1873 Cavalry revolver, perfect for adding to your Colt or US Military small arms collection. Please see our photos and good luck!