1874 Colt SAA - U.S. "Ainsworth Inspected" Model (5.5"), 45 LC, Revolver, 7107

According to the Colt Archives serial number database, this Single-Action Army .45 Long Colt caliber revolver was produced in 1874. This revolver is U.S. Ordnance Principal Sub-Inspector marked "A" (O.W. Ainsworth) under the frame below the serial number "7107" and on the cylinder along with a "P" proof stamp. This Martially Marked U.S. Government SAA is what collectors refer to as an "Ainsworth U.S. Model" (serial number range 179-14838). It is worth noting that it was Ainsworth who inspected the Colt SAAs used by Col. G. A. Custer's 7th Cavalry at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. The serial number range of Little Bighorn Colts is believed to be 45007527 (this gun's serial number is "7107") - Ref. A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver book by Graham, Kopec & Moore. This revolver is also Colt Factory inspector marked "G" on the frame above the hammer slot & "K" on the loading gate arm which are both known markings for factory inspectors during this time. The bottom of the left grip and under the barrel are stamped R.A.C." (Rinaldo A. Carr) which reflects a circa 1895-1903 factory refurbish at the request of the U.S. Army. The top of the barrel is marked: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." and the left side of the frame sports a 3-date patent stamp: "PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871/ JULY 2-72. / JAN 19-75.". This revolver does not sport the "U.S." stamp on the left side of frame indicating U.S. property. A possible explanation for the lack of a "U.S." frame stamp can be found in the book A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver by Graham, Kopec & Moore. The book states: "Revolvers bearing no "U.S." frame stamping and whose serial number is below #19500 were omissions on the part of Colt's workman, who applied this stamping to the frame while it was in a polished or "soft" state. Revolvers above serial #30600 having frames without the "U.S." markings are considered to have been "overlooked" because of an oversight of the U.S. Ordnance inspector. The book also references Ordnance inspectors having problems applying this stamp to early models due the case-hardening process which ultimately erased the stamp once the metal was fully cured and dry. A letter from General Franklin of Colt to Captain Edie at the National Armory, written on September 24, 1873, states in part "it will not be possible to stamp "U.S." on frames where it ought to be due to the case-hardening process". It was later determined that the "U.S." stamp on the frame should be applied by Colt factory workers, rather than the Ordnance inspectors, upon final inspection. However, even when factory workers carefully applied the "U.S." stamp, it was not uncommon for it to fade into the "raised metal". This process did become more constant over time. Also mentioned in the book, several of the pre-contract models are stamped "U.S." without any inspectors' stamps, which indicated that throughout production, the "Rules for Inspection" were not always followed, therefore, Martial SAA markings, or lack thereof, can be very confusing. SPECS: Smooth walnut grips, 5.5" blued barrel, fixed notch & groove rear sight, fixed blade front sight, loading gate, angled cylinder pin retaining screw, checkered hammer and 6-shot fluted cylinder. CONDITION: The frame on this revolver still shows strong remnants of the original case-hardened finish and the frame screws retain most of their nitro-blued finish. This revolver is in original condition with some various bluing fade, has an excellent sharp/clean bore and appears to be in good working order with a nice/ smooth 3-click action. HISTORY: The Colt Single Action Army (also known as the SAA) was the standard-issued revolver of the U.S. Army from 1873 to 1892. Original U.S. Cavalry and Artillery Single Action Armies (those produced between 1873 and 1891) are among the most valuable to collectors. Especially valuable are the Orville Wood Ainsworth and the rare Henry Nettleton inspected revolvers. The U.S. Army began sending SAAs back to the Colt factory for refurbishing in 1895, which continued through 1903 - these revolvers were then reissued. OUR ASSESSMENT: When researching original Colt SAAs, there is an abundance of information online that is not relevant to newly found documents and known variations. The book A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver by Graham, Kopec & Moore offers over 30 years of combined scholarly research on the subject and will, in many cases, contradict much of the online information. We highly recommend any serious collector to obtain a copy of this book. SHIPPING - We offer free shipping anywhere within the continental US. All firearms must be sent to an FFL (or C&R if applicable) regardless of age or caliber. This includes antiques & muzzleloaders. PLEASE READ ALL TERMS BEFORE PARTICIPATING: There is no live crowd, no phone bidding, no left bids and we do not accept payment through the mail.