Highly Desirable Historic Documented Ainsworth Inspected, Early Three-Digit Serial Number 752, U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver with John Kopec Letter

An extraordinary first-year Colt Single Action Army with three-digit serial number 752, this 1873 U.S. contract revolver is a rare Indian Wars-era survivor with major collector significance, O.W. Ainsworth inspection marks, and authentication from noted Colt historian John Kopec. As part of the earliest U.S. military contract production, it is an exceptional piece of Americana with the kind of history, scarcity, and documentation sought by advanced Colt and U.S. martial arms collectors.

• Highly desirable early-production Colt Single Action Army revolver
• Three-digit serial number: 752
• Manufactured in 1873, the first year of Colt Single Action Army production
• U.S. contract revolver from the height of the Indian Wars era
• Sub-inspected by O.W. Ainsworth, one of the most important U.S. Ordnance inspectors associated with early Cavalry Model Colt Single Action Army revolvers
• Examined by noted Colt historian and author John Kopec
• Accompanied by Kopec letter of authentication dated November 29, 1991
• Kopec recorded this revolver as a new listing to his survey
• Serial number 752 falls between serial numbers 751 and 762 in Kopec’s database, both listed as Cavalry Model revolvers
• Kopec states this revolver:
  • Was manufactured in 1873
  • Was part of the very first U.S. contract for 8,000 Colt Single Action Army revolvers
  • Belongs to the group known to have been issued to the 6th and 10th Cavalry
  • Is near serial number 882, which is known to have been issued to the 5th Cavalry
• Kopec specifically notes the removed government markings, stating:
  • “It is interesting to note that the ‘U.S.’ frame markings and also the ‘U.S.A.’ barrel markings have been purposely removed from this revolver, evidently to attempt to hide the fact that the revolver was a government issue piece.”
  • “It is our opinion that this revolver is 100% authentic except for the removal of the markings as noted above and for a few replaced screws.”
  • “This piece is in exceptional condition for a three digit serial numbered revolver.”
  • “It is noteworthy that there is still a reminent(sic) of an Ordnance Sub-Inspector’s cartouche on the left grip panel.”
  • “We believe that this is indeed an exceptional piece of Americana, worthy of the finest collection.”
• Period-removed markings add frontier-era intrigue:
  • The “U.S.” frame property marking was purposely removed
  • The “U.S.A.” portion of the barrel address was also purposely removed
  • U.S. government markings were known to have been removed during the period by Native Americans who captured these revolvers or by individuals who later possessed them outside of U.S. military service
  • This gives the revolver compelling “stories to tell” and strong Western Frontier appeal
• Additional collector context:
  • Rock Island Auction Company recently sold a nearby New York Militia Single Action Army, serial number 730, in December 2024 as lot 49
  • That revolver was accompanied by a more recent Kopec letter dated September 10, 2024
  • Kopec indicated that serial number 730 was originally part of “Lot One,” covering serial numbers 177–1191
  • “Lot One” revolvers were primarily issued to the 10th Cavalry headquartered at Leavenworth, Kansas
  • 10th Cavalry troopers were also stationed at various forts throughout Texas during the first quarter of 1874
  • Kopec further noted that some “Lot One” serial numbers were mixed before issue
  • Serial number 352 is referenced as a known 6th Cavalry-issued example
• Frame details:
  • Left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the early Colt two-line patent marking
  • The patent marking is ahead of the area where the period-removed “U.S.” property mark once appeared
• Barrel details:
  • Fitted with a blade front sight
  • Roll-stamped with the script address: “+COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. Co HARTFORD, CT.”
  • The removed final portion of the address would have read “U.S.A.+”
• Ejector housing:
  • Correct first type ejector housing
  • Equipped with the early “bullseye” ejector head
• Matching serial-number details:
  • Matching visible serial numbers are present on the frame, trigger guard, butt, barrel, and cylinder
  • Underside of the barrel is stamped with the matching serial number, correctly exposed
  • Cylinder is also stamped with the matching serial number
• Inspection and proof markings:
  • Underside of the barrel has a small Ainsworth “A” sub-inspection mark
  • Underside of the barrel also has a “P” proof mark
  • Cylinder has a small Ainsworth “A” sub-inspection mark
  • Cylinder also has a “P” proof mark
  • Small Ainsworth “A” sub-inspection marks are present on the trigger guard and the top of the back strap
• Grip detail:
  • Remnant of an Ordnance Sub-Inspector’s cartouche remains on the left grip panel
• Condition and authenticity:
  • Described by Kopec as exceptional condition for a three-digit serial-number revolver
  • Considered 100% authentic by Kopec, except for the noted removal of the “U.S.” and “U.S.A.” markings and a few replaced screws

With first-year 1873 manufacture, three-digit serial number 752, Ainsworth inspection marks, Kopec authentication, early U.S. contract status, and possible frontier-period removal of military property markings, this Colt Single Action Army is a museum-worthy Indian Wars-era collectible and a premier acquisition for the finest Colt or American West collection.