"COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER. SN 42583. Cal. 45 Colt. Usual configuration with 7-1/2" bbl, slightly altered front sight with 1-line script address and the last four digits of the serial number on the bottom under ejector rod housing. Ejector rod housing is second type with bull's eye ejector rod head. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates with caliber marking on left shoulder of trigger guard, which appears to have been restamped. Fitted with 1-pc walnut grip that has period of use, hand-carved initials "P.N." Butt strap is stamped in large figures "C9" (possibly Troop C, 9th Cavalry) and the front strap, just behind trigger guard, is hand scratched with an "M" or a "W". Serial number of this revolver falls within the serial range of the "Keyes" revolvers but is not one of them. Capt. A.S.B. Keyes was an Ordnance officer in the 10th Cavalry who replaced 47 stolen military Colts with civilian models. This incident is well documented in history. Could this possibly be a similar situation from the 9th Cavalry? Left side of grip, at the top by the frame, shows very heavy wear or was slightly relieved during period of use as a quasi-thumb rest. Bbl has several deep dings behind the front sight and left edge of muzzle shows extraordinary wear as one would expect if it were carried for many years by a right handed person. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter showing 45 caliber, bbl length & stocks not listed, with blue finish, shipped to J.P. Lower, Denver, Colorado on April 28, 1880 in a shipment of fifty same type revolvers. The 9th Cavalry was a historic and storied cavalry regiment of "Buffalo" soldiers, Negro troops, who were recruited in 1866 and shortly thereafter transferred to the Dept. of Texas to fight the Comanche and bring order to the region. In 1875 they were transferred to the Dept. of New Mexico, headquartered in Sante Fe, where they remained until 1881. This revolver was produced in 1878 and delivered to the major firearms supplier in the entire Rocky Mtn. region. Therefore it is logical that this may have been a civilian revolver replacement for a military revolver. CONDITION: Good to very good, all matching including bbl & cylinder, grip was not checked. Traces of case colors remain in frame gullets, otherwise all metal is a silver/brown patina, probably cleaned a long time ago. Bbl address is heavily worn but mostly legible with a series of small dings on right side by the frame. Right side of frame also has a number of small dings. Grip has a chipped right toe and shows very heavy wear with a good hand worn patina. Hammer is not solid in safety or half-cock notches, otherwise mechanics are fine, strong bore with light pitting. 4-32187 (4,800-5,800)"
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