3133 VERY RARE NETTLETON INSPECTED FACTORY NICKEL COLT

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2026 Nov 08 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 7,500.00 USD
Estimated at 15,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
U.S. CAVALRY SAA REVOLVER. Cal. 45 Colt. S# 47554. Manufactured 1878. Henry Nettleton inspected revolvers remain quite difficult to obtain as Nettleton was only briefly a Principal Sub-Inspector in charge from June 18, 1878 to September 27, 1878 with an inspection run spanning approx. 3,000 units (47,000-50,000 S# range). Subject revolver also belongs in a controversial group of documented revolvers known as the Nickel Plated U.S. Cavalry models. "A STUDY OF THE SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER" by Graham, Kopec & Moore dedicates an entire chapter to the subject. Chapter X, pgs 249-258 covers these revolvers in detail. The authors were able to confirm a total of 50 early Ainsworth inspected revolvers. Four examples were documented in the Casey/Cleveland inspection era and an additional one has shown up at a past auction. The Nettleton series was observed to have 23 nickel plated cavalry models by the authors with the majority occurring in the serial number range 49,300-50,400. Page 250 offers four possible theories for this anomoly "1. Issued to the Indian Scouts and Police. / 2. Special Order "officers" revolvers. / 3. Surplus Militia revolvers, sold back to Colt's or nickeled by commercial establishments. / 4. United States Navy revolvers." While included copy of the factory letter lists the finish as "Blue", it is entirely possible that these records were produced in masse based on typical government specifications and could potentially have been changed on a case by case basis before finishing. All inspections on this revolver appear to have been applied through the original nickel finish as is evidenced by the raised edges. Frame gauges .745" at center of triggerguard screw. "HN" inspection stamps found on barrel, frame, triggerguard & cylinder. Matching numbers throughout. Hammer & main spring are later civilian replacements as noted by the fine knurling. Bbl 7 1/2" with blade front sight and marked on top with one line Colt address having the period correct broken "T" in the abbreviation "PT.". Left side of frame stamped with proper "US" lacking periods, which is correct for this time frame. One piece walnut grip stamped "HN" on butt of right panel. Backstrap channel inked inside "7554" twice. No visible inspector's cartouche present. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: copy of Colt factory letter stating the following: "Serial Number: 47554 / Caliber: .45/c / Barrel Length: Not Listed / Finish: Blue / Type of Stocks: Not Listed / Sold To: United States Government / Delivered To: U.S. Government Inspector / Address: located at the Colt plant / Date of Shipment: September 24, 1878 / Number of Same Type Guns in Shipment: 200". CONDITION: fine overall. Frame and barrel retain 90% original nickel with mild flaking at muzzle, minor scratches throughout as well as scattered freckling. Cylinder retains 65% original nickel with faint cylinder drag line and one large flaked area developing a fine mottle patina. Grip is sound having been lightly sanded and refinished with a later coat of added varnish. "HN" stamp on butt is slightly weakened but still visible. Good bore shows frosting in grooves with bright shiny lands. Mechanically excellent. (01-30288/BH). ANTIQUE. $15,000-25,000.