Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this SOUGHT-AFTER single-action revolver today for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Single Action Army US Calvary!
According to the official Colt Factory Archive Letter, this Colt Single Action Army Revolver, bearing serial number 73338, is chambered in .45/c (.45 Colt) and was originally shipped with a Blue finish. While the original shipping ledger leaves the barrel length and stock type unlisted, the remarks note that unlisted entries from this contract period indicate a standard-issue configuration of a 7 ½” barrel and walnut stocks. This historic U.S. Cavalry sidearm was sold to the United States Government and delivered directly to the U.S. Government Inspector located at the Colt Plant on October 19, 1881, as part of a shipment of 150 guns of the same type.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Single Action Army - First Generation - US Calvary
Serial: 73338
Date of Manufacture: 1881
Caliber: .45 Colt
Finish: Patina / Faded Blued
Barrel Length: 5.5"
Optics/Sights: Frame Notched Rear w/ Fixed Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Smooth Wooden One-Piece Grips
Action: Single-Action
Markings: Standard / This example is stamped (DFC) right above the serial number and "RAC" stamped on the bottom of the grips.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The U.S. Contract Colt Single Action Army Revolver—famously known as the "U.S. Cavalry Model"—stands as one of the most celebrated handguns in American military history. Adopted by the War Department in 1873 to replace aging Civil War-era cap-and-ball conversion revolvers, these early 1st Generation single-actions were chambered in the formidable .45 Colt cartridge and issued in a standard 7 ½-inch barrel configuration. Built on solid-frame craftsmanship with a military blue finish and case-hardened frames, these sidearms served on the front lines during the peak of the Western Indian Wars, equipping famous Cavalry regiments across the American frontier. What distinguishes an authentic U.S. Cavalry Colt on the secondary market is its meticulous trail of ordnance inspection markings and tight serial number range execution. Manufactured between 1873 and 1891 under strict military contracts, each revolver underwent rigorous inspection by government inspectors—such as Orville W. Ainsworth, Henry Nettleton, and David F. Clark—who stamped their initials onto key components including the frame, barrel, cylinder, and wood grips. Because a massive portion of these original 7 ½-inch Cavalry revolvers were later recalled by the government in the late 1890s and altered (cut down to 5 ½ inches) for Spanish-American War issue, finding an original, unaltered 7 ½-inch Cavalry Model in its factory configuration represents a holy grail acquisition for military arms collectors. Today, U.S. Cavalry Single Action Armies command a premier position at fine arms auctions, serving as physical touchstones to iconic 19th-century American history. Their value and desirability are immensely enhanced when accompanied by official Colt Factory Archive documentation verifying their original military shipment dates and government inspector delivery points. Whether preserved in pristine original condition, bearing authentic frontier-era wear, or identified to specific Cavalry units, an original U.S. Contract Single Action Army remains the undisputed cornerstone of any serious collection of historic American firearms and Western heritage.
Contents:
Model: Single Action Army - First Generation - US Calvary
Serial: 73338
Date of Manufacture: 1881
Caliber: .45 Colt
Finish: Patina / Faded Blued
Barrel Length: 5.5"
Optics/Sights: Frame Notched Rear w/ Fixed Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Smooth Wooden One-Piece Grips
Action: Single-Action
Markings: Standard / This example is stamped (DFC) right above the serial number and "RAC" stamped on the bottom of the grips.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The U.S. Contract Colt Single Action Army Revolver—famously known as the "U.S. Cavalry Model"—stands as one of the most celebrated handguns in American military history. Adopted by the War Department in 1873 to replace aging Civil War-era cap-and-ball conversion revolvers, these early 1st Generation single-actions were chambered in the formidable .45 Colt cartridge and issued in a standard 7 ½-inch barrel configuration. Built on solid-frame craftsmanship with a military blue finish and case-hardened frames, these sidearms served on the front lines during the peak of the Western Indian Wars, equipping famous Cavalry regiments across the American frontier. What distinguishes an authentic U.S. Cavalry Colt on the secondary market is its meticulous trail of ordnance inspection markings and tight serial number range execution. Manufactured between 1873 and 1891 under strict military contracts, each revolver underwent rigorous inspection by government inspectors—such as Orville W. Ainsworth, Henry Nettleton, and David F. Clark—who stamped their initials onto key components including the frame, barrel, cylinder, and wood grips. Because a massive portion of these original 7 ½-inch Cavalry revolvers were later recalled by the government in the late 1890s and altered (cut down to 5 ½ inches) for Spanish-American War issue, finding an original, unaltered 7 ½-inch Cavalry Model in its factory configuration represents a holy grail acquisition for military arms collectors. Today, U.S. Cavalry Single Action Armies command a premier position at fine arms auctions, serving as physical touchstones to iconic 19th-century American history. Their value and desirability are immensely enhanced when accompanied by official Colt Factory Archive documentation verifying their original military shipment dates and government inspector delivery points. Whether preserved in pristine original condition, bearing authentic frontier-era wear, or identified to specific Cavalry units, an original U.S. Contract Single Action Army remains the undisputed cornerstone of any serious collection of historic American firearms and Western heritage.
Contents:
This example will ship with the Factory Colt Archives Letter as pictured above.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1194342728 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-08-16 22:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
1025 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-08-16 18:13:54 |
