Original Colt Model 1873 Cavalry Revolver with John A. Kopec Gold-Seal Letter of Authentication dated March 4, 2010.

Mr. Kopec writes:
”This revolver remains today in basically ‘untouched’ condition”, and goes on to describe this Colt as an “outstanding Cavalry revolver”.

Mr. Kopec goes on to explain how this particular Colt was one of a very few which escaped the Ordnance Department’s recall of 1893.  Recalled Colts were reconfigured into artillery models for the Spanish American War.

Mr. Kopec’s research of the National Archives shows that the revolvers that missed the recall, were in storage with state militias and then eventually returned to the Springfield Arsenal.  They were later sold as surplus which explains why this revolver “remains in remarkable original condition”, writes Mr. Kopec.

First Generation Single Action Army/Cavalry Revolver Caliber .45 with 7.5 inch barrel.  Rare Inspector.

 SN 121111 Model 1873 dated/manufactured 1887.

Inspected by Capt. John G. Butler and David F. Clark sub-inspector.  Inspectors and serial number are appropriate to this model and year of this Colt.

Left side of grip has the inspector initials “JGB” for Capt. John G. Butler and the date “1887”.   Mr. Kopec: “His initials under the year-date 1887 remain in outstanding condition on the left grip panel.”
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Right side has the “DFC” cartouche. Capt. Butler’s cartouche is the only one of all inspectors whose initials were not enclosed in a circle or rectangle. Capt. Butler inspected only a very few Colts, about 2,000, in the 11th Contract.  Mr. Kopec: “The cartouche of the Sub-Inspector, David F. Clark remain somewhat worn on the right grip panel.”

Wood grips retain proper wood-to-metal fit and appears to have original varnish which is in tact.  Three mysterious notches are visible on one of the grips.  Date and inspectors' marks (DFC and WGB) are clearly visible.

Serial Number 121111 is consistent throughout this revolver with one exception on the loading gate which shows 1139 which is correct.

Inspector's mark DFC (David F. Clark) appears on all major components of this Colt.  Crisp excellent mechanical condition.   Sharp crisp barrel address.  Patent dates and U.S. stamp retains 30 to 40 percent blue, with finish fading.   Retains frame case colors in protected areas but starting to fade.  Most screw heads are in excellent condition.

This Colt is untouched and in as-found condition.  It is a superior Colt Cavalry Model 1873 Single Action Revolver and probably used very little.

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Wight N. Manning
Collector and Reenactor for Over 40 Years
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