COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER SN 49390. Cal. 45 Colt. E.C. WHEELER SUB-INSPECTED Very rare cavalry with 7-1/2” bbl, slightly shortened & thinned front sight with block letter address. It has 3-line patent dates and “US” on left side of frame. It has Henry Nettleton’s “HN” inspector initials in all the normal places except frame which is inspected by E.C. Wheeler and has a “W” by frame serial number. The observed Nettleton initials were found on bottom of bbl, trigger guard, top of backstrap & cylinder. It has second type ejector rod housing with bull’s eye ejector rod head and its orig base pin with dimples at each end. It has 1-pc walnut grip that shows severe hard wear with chipped toes and some slight alterations to bottom edge. There is no number inside backstrap channel so it appears the grip is an old field replacement. It has partial outline of a cartouche on left side. This exact revolver is listed by serial number on p. 59 of Colt Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers . . A Continuing Study, Kopec & Fenn, where he lists 29 Wheeler inspected revolvers. He states that Wheeler substituted for Henry Nettleton during his illness making this, indeed, a very rare cavalry Colt. CONDITION: Good, all matching except grip. Traces of finish remain in most sheltered areas being overall a bright cleaned metal color. Gullets in front of frame retain strong case colors with some light, fine pitting over other areas of frame and on sides of hammer. Trigger guard & front strap appear to have been lightly filed. Ejector rod screw is a replacement and some of other screws are slightly battered. Cylinder has scattered light pitting with a plum patina in flutes. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with moderate pitting. 4-32301 JR493 (7,000-10,000)
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