This .45 Colt caliber revolver has mismatched numbers, as is correct. Serial no. 94766 is on the bottom of the frame with “U.S.” marked on the left side, no. 17760 on the front of the triggerguard and no. 179 on the butt. The bottom of the barrel has the government inspector’s initials “R.A.C.”; the cylinder has no visible number or inspector’s initials. The one-piece factory walnut grip has no visible inspector’s initials and is slightly undersized at the butt from refinishing, overall grip condition is very good with a small chip at the right side toe. The metal has scattered pinprick pitting with excellent factory lettering on the barrel and very good condition frame markings. The gripstraps are mostly gray with about 30% of an old reblue mixing with plum patina on the balance of the metal. The 5.5″ barrel has a very good bore and the mechanism functions well with the hammer notches intact. The ejection rod has the later style crescent head. A period heavy brown leather double loop holster with hand-stamped decoration is included. This holster is in very good condition and appears to be unmarked. This fine old Colt was made in 1883 and was originally issued as a 7.5″ barrel Cavalry revolver. Many of these Cavalry revolvers were altered to 5.5″ between 1895 and 1903. This work was done by Springfield Armory and Colt. At that time many revolvers were also refinished and usually no attempts were 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.
