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Colt 1st Gen SAA U.S. N.Y. Militia .44-40 5 1/2" 1887 Kopec & Colt letter Heiser 7th Cav #120985 EXC
Guns International #: 101691126 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Colt Revolvers - Single Action Army - 1st Gen - .44 Revolvers
Seller's Information
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Seller: 1stLt1971
Member Since: 4/6/19
First Name: Douglas
State: New Hampshire
Country: United States
Number of Active Listings: 0
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Non-firing non-takedown inspection ONLY allowed!
Payment Types Accepted:
Description:
Here is a unique and desireable first generation Colt SAA 'U.S.' revolver. This description will be necessarily long and detailed to enable prospective buyers to appreciate it fully. It started life in 1887 as one of a lot of 400 delivered to the U.S. Government on March 21, 1887, (per Colt letter). This revolver was then most likely issued to either the historic 7th Cavalry or possibly the 10th Cavalry(Buffalo Soldiers). Kopec & Fenns book (page 80) lists number 120822, 120945, and 121008 as being issued to the 7th. Numbers 120825 and 120998 issued to the 10th. Subsequently, in 1895, this revolver was called in and returned to Colt for refurbishing and was delivered again the the gov't. on Oct. 4, 1895(per Colt letter) to be one of the 800 famous revolvers sent to New York to arm their militia. Once in the possession of the State of New York it was marked on the bottom of the grip frame with various unit markings (see photo). It is believed that these N.Y. Militia revolvers were classified as obsolete and released to civilian ownership sometime around World War 1 or so. This particular revolver was then returned to Colt for a third time and converted to .44-40 caliber, with the addition of a new cylinder and 5 1/2" barrel. In addition, Colt removed and plugged the old-style cylinder pin retaining screw and installed the newer spring-loaded type. This was commonly done by Colt (see Single Action Army revolvers by Moore - page 91). Note comment by Kopec in his letter on this revolver. When this work was performed and as provenance for its legitimacy, Colt marked this revolver with a six-pointed star on the right rear of the trigger guard(see photo, and Moore's book-page 90). Quote: 'These markings also designate repairs and/or refinishing at the factory'. It is believed that this marking system was used during the 1920s. When I acquired this revolver, the front sight had been altered by addition of a bead sight type arrangement. On the recommendation of John Kopec, I sent this revolver to Dave Lanara, and had him restore the sight to original and at the same time perform his majic on the action. It now cycles and functions like a fine Swiss watch! The bore and chambers are in near mint condition. The screws are all in nice shape, and the revolver exhibits much retained color-case in protected areas. The grips have one small nick on the left side. Also, this revolver came with a beautiful period H.H. Heiser holster, which will be included. Since its final refinishing by Colt in the 1920s, this revolver was obviously carried a fair amount, but was decidedly well taken care of. Colt 1st gen. SAA revolvers are extremely hard to come by here in northern New England, and it is my judgement that this particular gun was most likely owned and carried by a game warden or forester; someone who spent his life in the outdoors, was knowledgeable of firearms, and appreciated the qualities of this famous model. NOTE: The Colt and Kopec letters will be included.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: 120985
Chambers: Excellent
Condition: Fine
Metal Condition: Fine
Bore Condition: Excellent
Manufacture Date: 1887
Case: 25%