This revolver is another one of those "Take home, clean, inspect and document this antique Pre-1898 Colt" story. My bud just snagged this very rare Colt S.A.A. cavalry revolver that is factory lettered to be shipped from the Colt factory in 1880 to their New York office. Its one gun in a shipment of 50. He said nothing about shooting it, nor did he say that I could not, but........I never ask these things.
It was inspected by Henry Nettleton, a civilian employee of the military. The last time this gun was shot was probably at Geronimo, Sitting Bull or maybe even Rin Tin Tin
. I have already authenicated that the screws, cylinder bushing, base pin, front sight, back strap, trigger guard, and possibly the trigger have been replaced at some time. It even has the appearance that a rust blue was added maybe 75 years ago. But the barrel, cylinder, frame, ejector housing, hammer and the one piece walnuts are real deal as serial numbers all match as do the proper inspector's marks and cartouche. So, instead of being worth 25 or 30 g's, it might be worth 5-7. Oh well, lots of things can happen to a gun in it's 130 year old history.I decided that before I rip this thing apart, I might as well shoot it
I very carefully loaded up 6 rounds with 4.5 gr. of Unique with a 260 Keith. The velocity was so low that you can see the bullet's impact on the paper. (see photo) Maybe 500 fps. I ain't taking no chances with another person's gun Lock up is tight so I also suspect the innards have been replaced--I'll find out later.I shot 5 shots--offhand-- at about 10 yards using a 6 o'clock hold. Sure was surprised to see them go into about 2+ inches.
--------------------Sixgun"Nosey" had to come over to see what the excitement was all about
Look at the bullet impact on the paper--There's 5 shots in there
Cartouche is there---barely
Miss Skittles relaxing at the shop
