(A) VERY EARLY LOADED RELIC COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY CAVALRY REVOLVER WITH KOPEC LETTER.

Early circa 1874 production Cavalry Model Single Action in classic configuration. The 7 - 1/2" barrel with early address with broken Hartford "A" die. Unbeveled ejector rod, toe, and cylinder stop approaches. Markings are largely legible, including "US" stamped on the left side of frame. Cylinder is as found, loaded with pre-1875 Bennet primed martial ammunition. An included 1994 dated John Kopec letter verifies the authenticity of the revolver. It is Kopec's opinion that this revolver was issued to the 6th Cavalry who, along with the 10th, were the first to receive the new Colt Single Action Army revolvers. Another gun, just 6 numbers off, serial number 1186, was reported lost by the 6th Cavalry June 12, 1875. This is possibly a transcription error, as Kopec notes a barrel with serial number 1186 was found on a known Artillery Model. The surviving record may, in fact, be for this revolver which was likely lost around the same time. Although it is unknown where this particular revolver was recovered, the 6th Cavalry was active against the Cheyenne on the Great Plains during the 1874-1875 timeframe, and then against the Apache in Arizona beginning in 1875. CONDITION: Relic. Revolver displays an overall chocolate brown patina with pitting. No grips present. Loading gate opens. Other mechanics are frozen. A very interesting Indian Wars relic and desirable early martial Colt. Barrel Length: 7 - 1/2" Caliber/Bore: .45 Colt FFL Status: Antique Manufacturer: Colt Model: SAA Paperwork: Kopec Letter Serial Number: 1180