Custom Matching Colt 1873 Cavalry Single Action Army Revolver, 1882 Antique
SOLD FOR: $3,126.00
LSB#: LSB260618HK001
Make: Colt
Model: 1873 Cavalry
Serial Number: 84441
Year of Manufacture: 1882
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Barrel Length: The barrel has been cut to 4 7/8″.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel, not original to the gun. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the topstrap
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth walnut. The grip has small losses at the bottom-front corners. The cartouche on the left is nearly completely worn away. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. A the top-front, there is some discoloration and sanding. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as Antique
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original to the parts. The barrel, cylinder, frame, trigger guard and backstrap are all serial-matching. The ejector has been replaced, some other small parts may be replacements.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and leading in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 6+ out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 3% of its metal finish. There is only a little finish in well protected areas. Most surfaces have worn to white or gone to a light patina. There is scattered light surface oxidation and some minor erosion. Script letters have been scribed on the butt. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this revolver is in Good condition as customized.
Mechanics: The hammer does not catch at the safety notch. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup shows light play on all six chambers. The trigger pull is crisp, but a little heavy. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a Colt Archives letter and a notarized letter from a previous owner detailing the revolver’s history. The Colt letter indicates this revolver was delivered to the United States Government on November 8, 1882 as one of 300 guns of the same type in the delivery.
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 from 1882, during a period when the revolvers were inspected by David F. Clark. The gun shows wear consistent with its age, service, and later civilian use. It has matching numbered metal parts, though the ejector has been replaced and the barrel shortened to just under 5″. It does retain a more than decent bore given its age and use with black powder.
According to the included notarized letter, it was acquired in Montana in the 1920s, traded for a milk cow. It remained in the same family until at least 2003 with the ejector replaced in 1958, at which time the revolver was stored in a safe and not fired or altered while it remained in the family’s possession. If this old revolver could talk, it would likely have a lot to say, surviving the Indian Wars and approximately a century in private hands. It will make a neat addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Bud