COLT SINGLE ACTION ARTILLERY ARMY REVOLVER SN 119142. Cal. 45 Colt. Usual artillery configuration with 5-1/2” bbl, block letter address, slightly altered front sight and the commercial caliber marking on left side. There are 3-line patent dates and a small “U.S.” on left side of frame. It has 3rd type ejector rod housing with half moon ejector rod head. Unusually, the trigger guard & butt strap are unnumbered although trigger guard has a “K” inspector initial. Tip of ejector rod housing also has a “K” inspector initial. Top of back strap has the rare Wheeler “W” mark. It appears that the back strap was broken from butt strap & arc welded back into place. Hammer is blued rather than case colored but appears to be factory or arsenal. Grip has the “RAC”, for Renaldo A. Carr, inspector initials on bottom of left side & does not have a number in back strap channel. Cylinder & bbl are unnumbered but have the “RAC” initials on back edge of cylinder & bottom of bbl. Base pin is probably an old replacement. Hammer is of the later type with coarse knurling and a straight side firing pin. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter identifying this revolver as having been delivered to the Government at the plant Jan. 18, 1887 in a shipment of 250 same type guns. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains about 60% strong blue with left side a mottled gray/brown patina with fine pitting. Frame retains strong case colors in very sheltered areas and about 50-60% case colors overall, mostly faded with balance turned silver. Screws are all fine except base pin screw which is slightly battered & probably a period of use replacement. Cylinder retains about 75% strong blue with light surface rust & some fine pitting. Trigger guard retains 65-75% orig blue, flaked & turning plum on front strap. Back strap retains about 60-70% strong blue with butt strap a restored blue. Grip is a late martial replacement with minor wear and a few nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig finish. Hammer is not firm in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bore. 4-33338 JR602 (4,000-6,000)
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