"COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER. SN 11373. Cal. 45 Colt. AINSWORTH INSPECTED Wonderful early Ainsworth Colt with 7-1/2" bbl, standard front sight with script address with serifs at each end. Left side of frame has 2-line patent dates and a small "U.S." Fitted with 1-pc walnut grip with legible Ainsworth's "OWA" cartouche on left side. It has its orig first type ejector rod housing with bull's eye ejector rod head and has its orig base pin with dimples at each end. There are small "A" inspector initials on bottom of bbl, trigger guard, top of backstrap & cylinder. Additionally accompanied by a John Kopec letter authenticating this fine revolver and indicating that it was probably issued to and served with the U.S. 8th Cavalry regiment. The famous 8th U.S. Cavalry fought in the Southwest throughout the entire Indian Wars from Dec. 1867 until May of 1888 mostly in New Mexico & West Texas. In May of 1888 they were reassigned to Fort Meade, South Dakota and stationed at Fort Keough, Montana. They had a long & colorful history in the Indian Wars fighting many battles and skirmishes and it is recollection of this cataloger that the 8th, with the assistance of Al Sieber & Tom Horn, captured Geronimo. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl retains 70-75% strong orig blue with only holster wear on sides. Ejector rod housing retains 75-80% strong orig blue. Frame retains 75-80% strong, bright orig case colors, brilliant in sheltered areas with top strap turned gray and thinned on recoil shields. Hammer retains brilliant case colors on sides, turned dark on top and moderately faded on back. Cylinder retains 60-70% thin blue/gray, stronger in flutes. Trigger guard retains about 60-70% orig blue with "candy striping" found on orig finishes. Backstrap & buttstrap retain 25-30% thin blue with aforementioned striping. Grip is sound with chipped & worn edges and battering on bottom with legible cartouche & retains traces of orig finish being mostly a hand worn patina. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 4-33318 JR333 (30,000-50,000)"
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