"COLT SINGLE ACTION ARTILLERY ARMY REVOLVER. SN 10139. Cal. 45 Colt. Usual configuration with 5-1/2" bbl, slightly altered front sight with earliest script-type address with serifs. Left side of bbl, unusually, is marked "45 COLT". Left side of frame has 2-line patent dates and a small "U.S.". Frame is numbered "10139", trigger guard "336" with an Ainsworth "A" and backstrap "1994". Bbl is numbered "9200" with two small dots in front of number. It has first style ejector rod housing with a later half moon ejector rod head. Cylinder has only a partial number "--78". Fitted with 1-pc walnut grip without cartouche. Accompanied by a 2-page Kopec letter identifying & authenticating this revolver as above. Also accompanied by a letter from Springfield Research Service further identifying this revolver as having been issued to Trooper George Thompson of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Calvary Regiment (Rough Riders). Trooper Thompson enlisted on June 24, 1898 at Santa Fe, NM and was listed as a cook. He was originally assigned to another troop but transferred to Troop I on July 8. During transit, in preparation for action in Cuba, Trooper Thompson came down with dysentery and was left in the hospital at Jersey City, NJ on August 18. He was discharged on Sept. 29, 1898. Also accompanying are several pages of Thompson's company muster roll. It is unclear at this time whether Trooper Thompson was allowed to keep his Colt or if it may have been reassigned within regiment and therefore saw action in Cuba. CONDITION: Good. No orig finish remains being mostly a mottled gray/brown patina with some traces of cold blue on bbl & frame with fine pitting around forcing cone area and on cylinder. Grip has a chipped left toe with some slight warping on right side, otherwise shows light to moderate wear with a dark hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with a few scattered spots of light pitting. A great rarity in an authentic, identified Rough Rider Colt. 4-32897 JR205 (25,000-35,000)"
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