Custer Range Ainsworth Inspected Colt 1873 Cavalry Model Single Action Army

SOLD FOR: $5,925

LSB#: 240313LC009

Make: Colt

Model: 1873 Cavalry Model Single Action Army

Serial Number: 4643

Year of Manufacture: 1874

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 “A” and “P” in front of the cylinder pin head, and under the ejector housing is “4643” at the rear. The outside of the cylinder is marked with a series of numbers that appears to begin with “4” and be four digits, but does not match the serial number, the cylinder is also marked “A” and “P”. The front face of the cylinder is marked “0”. The bottom of the frame at the front, the bottom of the trigger guard at the front, and the butt are each marked “4643”. The trigger guard behind the serial marking and the top of the backstrap are each marked “A”. The hammer slot is marked “C”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871. / JULY. 2. -72.” and “U.S.”. The rear face of the loading gate has “869” assembly number.

Barrel Length: 7 3/8”, Cut. The muzzle is flat and not beveled. The front sight is approximately 0.3″ from the muzzle, other Cavalry examples we have inspected measure approximately 0.4″.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The topstrap has been modified and has a piece of metal spliced into it at the rear, this piece has a “U” notch rear sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth walnut. There are some scattered light compressions, minor scratches, and little marks in the wood with heavier marks in the wood present on the bottom. There are areas of discoloration. There are light handling marks. Overall, the grip is in Fine condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark gray with well defined rifling where not interrupted by erosion. There are patches of pitting scattered throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 7% of its metal finish. A piece of metal has been spliced into the topstrap and cut with the rear sight. The cylinder bushing is frozen in the cylinder. The most noticeable remaining bluing is located on the concave portions of the ejector rod housing. There are other remains of finish in recessed and hard to reach areas. Most surfaces have gone to a light patina with other areas worn to white. There are areas of scabbing, discoloration from previous oxidation, and pitting. There are some minor nicks and scratches. There are some marks in the metal. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured. The markings range from clear to worn and illegible. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: Some of the chambers can be pushed out of lock when the hammer is cocked, otherwise the action functions correctly. The cylinder locks with minor play on each chamber. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder bushing is seized. 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 U.S. Cavalry model is quite an early example, from 1874, from the 5th lot delivered to the Cavalry. Of great interest to collectors, this revolver is in the “Custer Range”, it is possible that it was issued to the 7th Cavalry, most of whom would meet their fate at the Battle of Little Bighorn. While only a few of these revolvers have been definitively determined to have been issued to the 7th Cavalry, those revolvers in the range where it was possible are keenly sought out by collectors due to this possibility, and better still, the 5th lot represents the majority of the 1873s sent to the 7th Cavalry.

In any case, this is a nice 1873 Cavalry model to add to any collection. The gun shows honest wear consistent with its age and service. Not just a nice example of a military Single Action Army, being in the Custer Range will certainly make this a prized addition to even advanced collections. Please see our photos and good luck!