This .45 Colt caliber revolver has mismatched numbers, as is correct. Serial no. 17064 is on the bottom of the frame with “U.S.” on the left side of the frame, no. 761 on the front of the triggerguard and no. 602 on the butt. The cylinder has no. 8701 and the bottom of the barrel has inspector’s initials “R. A.C.” The one-piece factory walnut grip has no visible inspector’s initials and is slightly undersized at the lower front gripstrap with a small chip to the right side toe, overall grip condition is very good. The gripstraps are mostly gray with the balance of the metal having a dark patina with some pinprick pitting on the barrel and left side of the recoil shield. The barrel address, serial numbers, and “U. S.” are in very good condition with the frame patent markings legible. The 5.5″ barrel has a very good bore with minor light corrosion. The mechanism functions well and the hammer notches are intact. The ejector rod has the original ‘bullseye’ head. A brown leather basket-stamped and elk-laced holster by H. H. Heiser is included. The holster needs cleaning but will rate very good or better. This early Colt was made as a 7.5″ barreled Cavalry revolver in 1875. Between 1895 and 1903 it was officially altered to 5.5″ at either Springfield Armory or the Colt factory. At this same time, the revolvers were refinished and usually no attempt was made to keep the serial numbered parts together. These short barrelled revolvers were referred to as ‘Artillery Models’ and many were used in the Spanish-American War and in the Philippines.
This is an antique and will transfer with no federal restrictions. RR Auction COA.
