^Lot 20 Antique U.S. Colt Single Action Army Cavalry Revolver Issued to U.S. Post Office Department

Antique U.S. Colt Single Action Army Cavalry Revolver Issued to U.S. Post Office Department, with Kopec Letter, #120049, .45 Colt cal., 7.5'' barrel, full blue ''arsenal refinish", smooth walnut grips, blade front and fixed ''V''-notch rear sight. All matching numbers located on the frame, barrel, cylinder, trigger guard, and backstrap. Lower left side of the frame is marked ''U.S''. ''D.F.C.'' inspector's marks can be found on the bottom of the frame, rear bottom of the barrel, and rear round of the cylinder. Underside of the barrel and rear round of the cylinder also with a small ''P''; small ''G'' in the frame's hammer well. Assembly number ''37'' is stamped inside the loading gate. No inspector cartouche is visible on either grip panel. Mfg'd circa 1887. Revolver is in fine condition, retaining approx. 85% Ordnance Dept. refinish, showing general thinning and toning. Front and backstrap have worn to primarily gray, with darker toning to the hammer. Grips have been sanded and are now relatively smooth, showing intermittent light handling marks, few areas of darkening along the edges, and moderate shrinkage. Action is crisp, cycles smoothly, but is missing the second click and the cylinder will not turn freely. Bore is bright with defined rifling. This desirable Colt is accompanied by several documents, including a 1996 dated John A. Kopec letter, indicating in summary that this revolver was returned to the Chief of Ordnance, War Dept. by the Post Office Dept. as ''unserviceable'', was refurbished by the War Dept. but not as an artillery model and retained its 7-1/2'' barrel, which was not common. Also, noted by Kopec is in his opinion the revolver retains its ''arsenal refinish'' that was applied after the Railway Mail Service returned it, grips have been sanded, lower forward portion of the grip strap with a laterally drilled hole, and the base pin being a later replacement. There are also copies of additional written communications between the two Departments relative to policies & procedures to resolving the repair/return of the gun. In closing, Kopec's letter is complimentary of the work done on this ''historically correct'' SAA revolver. Overall, an interesting revolver, with accompanying documentation. Est.: $5,000-$7,000. (Antique)