"COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER FOUND ON THE LITTLE BIG HORN BATTLEFIELD. SN 3155. Cal. 45 Colt. Usual configuration with bbl shortened to 7-7/16" with slightly altered front sight and script address with serifs at each end. It has 2-line patent dates with a "U.S." on left side of frame and is fitted with 1-pc walnut grip which is probably an old replacement. Ejector rod & ejector rod head are modern made replacements with ejector rod housing a little short and has been welded to bbl. Hammer is orig and base pin & screw are modern replacements. Accompanied by a letter from James R. Greathouse stating that he purchased this revolver from William Poole of Montana, who was a relative, by marriage to Mary Beeler of Roundup, MT. Mr. Poole reportedly told Mr. Greathouse that in the fall of 1932 he visited Custer Battlefield and while walking the area "found the gun, half covered with dirt". Mr. Greathouse states he traded another Colt for this one in 1951. Also accompanied by a 2 pg John Kopec letter stating that "this revolver's serial number falls between 2 Cavalry revolvers #3046 which is listed as being turned in by the Indian Bull Eagle on September 5, 1876 and #3256 which belonged to Troop L, 7th Cavalry as of March 14, 1888". He further states that although the two sided archived examples are considerably out of the accepted Custer Serial Number range that the "out of range examples documentation is irrefutable". He also sights serial number 3142 as being returned to Colt to be refurbished during 1895 and that it is reported that it has belonged to civilian scout Charles Reynolds, who was killed at Little Big Horn. It appears that this indeed was carried by one of Custer's troopers doomed on that fateful day, and certainly a rare opportunity to own a historic gun. CONDITION: Poor to fair. No orig finish remains being a cleaned, mottled silver/gray patina with light pitting over most of surface. Lockbolt does not engage indicating a broken spring. It appears that lockbolt spring screw is a replacement as it protrudes through the floor of cylinder opening. Screws are all battered. Grip is very worn with a dark hand worn patina with wood fill in both toes. Half cock notch is missing from hammer, otherwise mechanics are fine. Worn bore with moderate pitting. According to consignor, the gun actually fires and he indicates that at one point he shot nine old black powder rnds through this revolver. 4-31525(10,000-50,000)"
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