^Lot 188 Colt Single Action Army .45 LC #16563

U.S. contract Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver that was manufactured in 1875 and ordnance sub- inspected by A.P. Casey. The revolver originally had the Colt military blue finish on the barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The frame, loading gate and hammer had color case-hardened. The one-piece walnut grip is oil finished. This revolver has the distinctive features and markings of early production, Casey inspected with his small 'C' on the triggerguard below the serial number and the side and rear of the cylinder,the rear face of the cylinder is also stamped with a small "T", The side of the cylinder has a small "P", the the lower underside of the barrel to the right of the ejector housing is a small "P" over a feint "C", the barrel is roll-stamped with the first style 'Script' address with slanted crosses at either end, the type 1 ejector housing with retainer stud and bulls-eye ejector rod head, the cylinder has small stops and guides, (4) the frame is roll-stamped with the early Colt "Two-Line/Two-Date" patent markings followed by a small "U.S." property mark. The full serial number, "16563" is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap and the partial serial number, "6563" is stamped on the underside of the barrel beneath the ejector housing and on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "165". The revolver has been cleaned and re-blued at some point. The re-blue has subsequently removed and revolver is in the 'white'. the grips have been sanded at some point with no ordnance markings remaining. The bore is overall good/bright with good rifling, has some scattered patches of light pitting. The hammer action is smooth with the 4-cock action working well. Most markings are very clear/readable with the serial number and "C" on the cylinder side feint but readable, same with the "P" & "C" on the underside of the barrel. Comes with a John Kopec letter that details specifics of condition and status, with some history of the revolver including that the first lot of 199 A.P. Casey revolvers were completed on February 15th 1875 for the state of Connecticut. owning to the low serial number he believes it had been issued to that state,etc. The letter also states that "We could not remove the butt-strap screw for examination of internal areas". There is a note from the consigner stating he was able to remove the screw and examine all internals and everything is in proper working order. The revolver comes with a original US M1881 flap holster for Colt SAA revolver, Type 1. The holster is complete with all stitching intact including the plug, embossed "US' on front, flap stamped "G93" over a very feint Rock Island Arsenal" stamp. Leather has crazing.
NRA Condition-Very Good. Antique Firearm.