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#4961 Colt S/A, 5-1/2”x45COLT, “U.S.” Artillery, Wheeler (“W”) inspected
Guns International #: 100736033
Seller's Inventory #: #4961
Category:
Colt Revolvers - Antique
- Colt Revolvers - Single Action Army - 1st Gen
Seller's Information
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Seller: Tom Burness
Member Since: 3/3/07
First Name: Tom
Last Name: Burness
State: California
Zip: 95604-9151
Country: United States
Phone: (530) 889-9454
Number of Active Listings: 35
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
3 days
Payment Types Accepted: Cashiers cheque, money orders, Layaway
Description:
#4961 Colt S/A, 5-1/2”x45COLT, “U.S.” Artillery model with mixed serial numbers, as is correct, as these were dismantled Cavalry revolvers that were later altered in the late 1890s by the Springfield Armory to the 5-1/2” Artillery length, then re-assembled with no regard to matching parts, and refurbished to replace the ineffective 38COLT D/A models. The frame number on this revolver is in the 49XXX range (1879) and is the EXTREMELY rare and desirable Wheeler (“W”) inspected Cavalry, the remaining numbers all mixed. Wheeler, a sub-inspector, had substituted for Henry Nettleton for a few weeks in 1879 while Nettleton was sick (or otherwise indisposed) and consequently Wheelers are the rarest of all the military Colt S/As. Interestingly, the trigger guard is in the 44XX range which would then make it a possible early Black Hills shipment to Custers 7th Cavalry!! The backstrap is also Ainsworth inspected, but a higher number, the barrel and cylinder are both DFC. Mechanically it has a VG+/Fine bore, about a 7+/8 on a scale of 10, tight smooth action and a crisp lock-up and while the hammer is the correct vintage for this period of Colt, it does look to have been replaced since it is slightly different in color. As noted, the exterior is mostly a smooth even plum-brown metal overall and the metal is very good+ with no appreciable pitting. Address is only 20% dimly visible due to the arsenal refinishing in the late 1890s, the patent markings are VG, the one-piece walnut grips show medium wear and have no remnants of cartouches on either side, but they do fit very well. Half moon ejector rod head is correct being as this was a rebuild. After its military life, this revolver was apparently sold to the early movie prop house, Western Costume Company, and probably saw minimal use in the early “B” westerns, since it still is well above average condition. It has the “WCCO” stamps on the underside of the barrel and right lower side of the frame. A very decent Artillery and an extremely rare frame inspector with only a handful known!! $3995
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes
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