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Highly Desirable and Rare Lewis Draper Sub-Inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 40,000.00 USD
Highly Desirable and Rare Lewis Draper Sub-Inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Revolver

Estimate: $25000 - 40000
This is an exceptional original example of a U.S. contract Cavalry Model Single Action revolver that was manufactured by Colt in 1876. The revolver has the duel sub-inspection marks of Lewis Draper (L.D.) on the frame and John T. Cleveland (J.T.C.) on the barrel, side of the cylinder and right heel of the grip. "Duel Sub-Inspected" Cavalry Model Single Actions are extremely desirable revolvers. The revolver has the Colt military blue finish on the barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The frame, loading gate and hammer have a color casehardened finish. The one-piece walnut grip is oil finished. The revolver has the early 'bullseye' ejector rod head and 'cavalry' hammer with cone-shaped hammer and elongated bordered knurling on the spur. The barrel is roll-stamped with the Second Style condensed block letter address "-COLT'S P.T.F.A. MFG.Co. HARTFORD.CT.U.S.A.-". The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt two-line/two-date patent markings followed by the "U.S." property mark. A "P" proof mark is stamped on the underside of the barrel and on the side of the cylinder. The lower left side of the grip is stamped with the date "1876" above the circled script initials "DAL" of Ordnance Inspector Lieutenant David A. Lyle. Ordnance Sub-Inspector John T. Cleveland's "JTC" script initials are stamped in an oval on the lower right side of the grip. The full serial number, "31668" is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "1668" is stamped on the barrel beneath the extractor housing and on the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The assembly number "4930" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. Colt "C/G" sub-inspection marks are stamped on the barrel below the ejector housing stud, "O" and "S" are stamped on the rear face of the cylinder and "H" is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole. The revolver is accompanied by a letter from Colt Single Action expert John A. Kopec. The Kopec letter notes that the serial number of this revolver falls between the serial number so two revolvers identified as being issued to Troop G, 3rd Cavalry and that there is a good possibility this revolver was also issued to the 3rd Cavalry.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Long Colt
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 31668
Condition: Fine. The revolver retains 40% of the original blue and 50% casehardened finish. The Kopec letter states that the revolver is: "100% authentic and original, showing much of its original blue and case-colored finish". The finish on the barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap has aged to a smooth mottled blue-gray patina. The case colors on the frame, hammer and loading gate are vivid, more so in the protected areas. The frame screws are fine and retain most of the niter blue finish. The markings and serial numbers are all sharp and clear. The grip is very fine: the only flaw is limited to an old chip in the lower left side well below the "DAL" inspection mark. The "1876" date, "DAL" and "JTC" inspection marks are sharp. The action is crisp and functions perfectly. This is a fine totally original example of a scarce "LD/JTC" duel sub-inspected 3rd Cavalry Indian War Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Revolver. This inspector of Colt Cavalry's is seldom found!
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