Antique Colt U.S. Stamped Cavalry Revolver - A.P. Casey Inspected

This U.S. Contract Colt Model 1873 Cavalry Model Single Action Army revolver was manufactured in 1875 and inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector A.P. Casey. Casey is one of the scarcest U. S. Martial Inspectors. According to John Kopec’s book, Colt Cavalry and Artillery Revolvers – A Continuing Study, this revolver falls between 19058 and 19112 that were issued to Troop L in the 7th Cavalry in 1988. These were known as “Custer Avenger” revolvers as they were issued to the reformed 7th Cavalry, which had been assembled at Bismarck, Dakota Territory. Those troopers assigned to the 7th Cavalry were nicknamed “Custer Avengers” by the citizens of Bismarck.

The revolver has the first style ejector housing with barrel boss stud, bullseye ejector rod head, first style cylinder with small bolt stops and guides and barrel with the first style "script" address. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the first type Colt "Two Date/Two Line" 1872 patent markings followed by the "U.S." property mark. The revolver retains approximately 10-15% of the original bluing in protected areas of the cylinder flutes and trigger guard. The metal surfaces of this revolver are wonderful. The one-piece walnut grip remains in good condition with minimal shrinkage and with faint remnants of the rectangular inspector’s “A.P.C.” cartouche on the side of the left grip and Casey's sub-inspector “C” mark on the bottom of the right side of the grip. A.P. Casey's small "C" sub-inspectors stamp is visible on: (1) Underside of the barrel near the ejector rod, (2) side of the cylinder behind the flutes, (3) trigger guard below the serial number, (4) rear face of the cylinder between the chambers, (5) on the end of the ejector housing (rare) and (6) the bottom of the right side of the walnut grips. The correct "P" proof mark is stamped on the underside of the barrel by the ejector tube, underneath the “C” sub -inspector stamp. The full serial number “19104” is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "9104" is stamped on the barrel beneath the ejector housing and on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The assembly or bin number “1247” is stamped on the inside of the loading gate and on the bottom of the frame underneath the trigger guard. The assembly number on the frame has the “12” on one side of the trigger housing and the “47” on the other side. The action is tight and functions perfectly. The bore is very good and the rifling shows very light wear. This is a great example of a completely original, early production, A.P. Casey inspected Single Action Cavalry Model revolver that was issued to the reformed 7th Cavalry after the Little Big Horn. Nearly all of the early production Single Action Cavalry Model revolvers were issued to the ten U.S. Cavalry regiments serving on the frontier. These revolvers have a very low survival rate and are rarely encountered in unaltered condition with any amount of original finish.