COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER. SN 5998. Cal. 45 Colt. Rare Custer range single action with bbl reduced to 5-3/8” with a large half moon iron front sight mounted nearly flush with muzzle. It has script bbl address with serifs at each end. It has first type ejector rod housing with bull’s eye ejector rod head. There are 2-line patent dates with the “US” crudely obliterated. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip that has outline of the partially legible Ainsworth’s “OWA” cartouche on left side. There is a small “M” carved at top of grip on left side with another on bottom of left edge. Both carvings are old & worn having been in place a very long time. Accompanied by a signed & notarized letter from someone named Gary Cunningham & addressed to “Mr. von Leer” wherein he states that in summer of 1967 he was traveling through Oklahoma and stopped at a trading post on an Indian reservation. He negotiated the purchase of this revolver from the Indian gentleman running the store. In answer to his question if there was a story about the Colt, the Indian replied that “his grandfather had gotten the weapon from one of ‘Yellow Hair’s’ dead soldiers at the Battle of Little Big Horn”. He further stated that he had received the Colt as a gift “when he became a man”. Mr. Cunningham states that he purchased it for less than $100. This single action is only about fifty numbers from one known Custer Battlefield Colt and 30 from another and falls well within the range of Custer Battlefield single actions. Table II-XI, “Historically Associated 7th Cavalry Revolvers”, on p. 280 of Colt Cavalry & Artillery Revolver . . a Continuing Study, Kopec & Fenn, lists this revolver by serial number as “Presumptive. Alleged Cheyenne capture at Little Bighorn”. CONDITION: About fine, all matching including bbl & cylinder. Traces of finish remain in most sheltered areas, being an overall cleaned light gray patina. Grip has chipped toes and shows heavy wear with a hand worn patina. Hammer will not hold in safety notch or half cock, otherwise mechanics are fine, very bright shiny bore with a few spots of very fine pitting. 4-32360 JR477 (12,500-25,000)
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