Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is honored to offer this historic 1st Generation Single Action Army revolver today for a penny-start auction; this is an extraordinary Colt U.S. Cavalry .45 Colt Revolver DOCUMENTED & USED by John A. Kopec!
A truly legendary, one-of-a-kind Indian Wars research piece! Featured on Pages 69–71 of Cavalry & Artillery Revolver, A Continuing Study by Kopec & Fenn, this exact revolver played an important role in helping document and better understand the mystery surrounding factory “X”-marked frames. As John Kopec states in his accompanying evaluation, this is a ONE-OF-A-KIND, ALL-ORIGINAL U.S. CAVALRY “X” REVOLVER—a distinction that elevates it far beyond the realm of an ordinary martial Single Action Army. Featuring the factory “X” stamped over the serial number, D.F.C. sub-inspected barrel, smooth oil-finished walnut grip, factory Colt Archive Letter, handwritten evaluation letters from John Kopec, and published reference documentation, this revolver offers an extraordinary combination of originality, scholarship, provenance, and historical importance. Significant American military firearms of this caliber seldom surface on the open market, and an extensively documented, published example such as this represents a remarkable opportunity for the advanced Colt collector, U.S. martial arms specialist, or serious investment-grade firearms collection.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Single Action Army (U.S. Cavalry / "Civilian-U.S." Contract)
Serial: 48200 (Matching Frame, Trigger Guard, Backstrap, and D.F.C. Inspected Barrel)
Date of Manufacture: Frame ~1878 (Henry Nettleton Era), Assembled & Shipped March 13, 1880 (David F. Clark Contract)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Finish: Original Blue / Case Hardened Finish now Matured to an Authentic Dark Plum Patina
Barrel Length: 7 1/2" Cavalry Barrel
Optics/Sights: Silver Front Blade w/ V-Notch Rear Top Strap Groove
Stock/Grips: Smooth One-Piece Walnut Grip
Action: Single-Action Revolver w/ 3-Screw Frame & Bullseye Ejector Rod Head
Markings: Frame left side stamped "PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871 / PAT. JULY 2. -72 / PAT. JAN. 19. -75" followed by "U.S.". Trigger guard stamped "48200". Backstrap stamped "48200". Frame front stamped with an "X" above serial "48200". Barrel underside stamped "D.F.C." and "P" proof alongside serial "8200". Cylinder stamped with partial serial "4211". Frame trigger guard left bow stamped "C". Colt Factory Letter confirms Serial 48200 shipped March 13, 1880 in a 250-gun shipment to the U.S. Government.
HISTORICAL BREAKTHROUGH & PROVENANCE:
This specific Colt Single Action Army, serial number X / 48200, is not merely a documented antique—it is an iconic reference piece in martial arms collecting. Featured prominently on pages 69–71 (Figures 5-13 and 5-14) of the definitive reference book Cavalry & Artillery Revolver, A Continuing Study by John A. Kopec & Sterling Fenn, this exact revolver served as the Rosetta Stone for researchers to solve the long-standing mystery of Colt's factory "X" marked military frames. Serial number 48200 fell directly into the Henry Nettleton sub-inspection contract range of 1878. During production, Colt factory workmen identified a defect or anomaly on the original frame before it was submitted for military ordnance inspection. Consequently, it received no "H.N." inspector stamp and was sequestered in the factory "holding locker" alongside other condemned components. Between August 27, 1878 and March 13, 1880, Colt pulled this revolver out of storage, discarded the defective frame, and fitted it with a brand-new replacement frame stamped with an "X" directly above the primary serial number 48200 to designate it as a factory replacement. Placed into Colt's inventory of "Civilian-U.S." carry-over revolvers, serial X / 48200 was submitted under the David A. Lyle / David F. Clark (D.F.C.) government contract. It passed final government inspection, received the "U.S." frame stamp, and was officially shipped to a United States Arsenal on March 13, 1880 in a 250-gun shipment. This exact firearm was used by John Kopec to establish that "X" marked frames were official Colt factory replacement frames for defective military revolvers rather than post-market alterations.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The 1st Generation Colt Single Action Army U.S. Cavalry revolver is globally recognized as the definitive sidearm of the American West, Indian Wars, and U.S. Military Ordnance history. Subjected to rigorous Ordnance Department sub-inspections by inspectors like Henry Nettleton (1878) and David F. Clark (1880–1887), every military Single Action Army tells a story. However, serial number X / 48200 occupies a realm of its own as one of the most historically important single-action revolvers ever documented. Preserved in completely original, unmolested condition, the metal surfaces display a smooth, rich dark plum and gray age patina with crisp serial numbers, proof marks, and patent lines. The original smooth walnut grip is tight to the frame, exhibiting hand wear consistent with an authentic 1880-shipped military sidearm. Accompanied by two official Colt Archive Letters signed by M.S. Huber, handwritten correspondence and research evaluations by John A. Kopec, an autographed book leaf, and photocopies of its published pages, this museum-grade Single Action Army is an irreplaceable centerpiece for any world-class collection of Frontier Americana or U.S. Martial arms.
Contents:
Model: Single Action Army (U.S. Cavalry / "Civilian-U.S." Contract)
Serial: 48200 (Matching Frame, Trigger Guard, Backstrap, and D.F.C. Inspected Barrel)
Date of Manufacture: Frame ~1878 (Henry Nettleton Era), Assembled & Shipped March 13, 1880 (David F. Clark Contract)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Finish: Original Blue / Case Hardened Finish now Matured to an Authentic Dark Plum Patina
Barrel Length: 7 1/2" Cavalry Barrel
Optics/Sights: Silver Front Blade w/ V-Notch Rear Top Strap Groove
Stock/Grips: Smooth One-Piece Walnut Grip
Action: Single-Action Revolver w/ 3-Screw Frame & Bullseye Ejector Rod Head
Markings: Frame left side stamped "PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871 / PAT. JULY 2. -72 / PAT. JAN. 19. -75" followed by "U.S.". Trigger guard stamped "48200". Backstrap stamped "48200". Frame front stamped with an "X" above serial "48200". Barrel underside stamped "D.F.C." and "P" proof alongside serial "8200". Cylinder stamped with partial serial "4211". Frame trigger guard left bow stamped "C". Colt Factory Letter confirms Serial 48200 shipped March 13, 1880 in a 250-gun shipment to the U.S. Government.
HISTORICAL BREAKTHROUGH & PROVENANCE:
This specific Colt Single Action Army, serial number X / 48200, is not merely a documented antique—it is an iconic reference piece in martial arms collecting. Featured prominently on pages 69–71 (Figures 5-13 and 5-14) of the definitive reference book Cavalry & Artillery Revolver, A Continuing Study by John A. Kopec & Sterling Fenn, this exact revolver served as the Rosetta Stone for researchers to solve the long-standing mystery of Colt's factory "X" marked military frames. Serial number 48200 fell directly into the Henry Nettleton sub-inspection contract range of 1878. During production, Colt factory workmen identified a defect or anomaly on the original frame before it was submitted for military ordnance inspection. Consequently, it received no "H.N." inspector stamp and was sequestered in the factory "holding locker" alongside other condemned components. Between August 27, 1878 and March 13, 1880, Colt pulled this revolver out of storage, discarded the defective frame, and fitted it with a brand-new replacement frame stamped with an "X" directly above the primary serial number 48200 to designate it as a factory replacement. Placed into Colt's inventory of "Civilian-U.S." carry-over revolvers, serial X / 48200 was submitted under the David A. Lyle / David F. Clark (D.F.C.) government contract. It passed final government inspection, received the "U.S." frame stamp, and was officially shipped to a United States Arsenal on March 13, 1880 in a 250-gun shipment. This exact firearm was used by John Kopec to establish that "X" marked frames were official Colt factory replacement frames for defective military revolvers rather than post-market alterations.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The 1st Generation Colt Single Action Army U.S. Cavalry revolver is globally recognized as the definitive sidearm of the American West, Indian Wars, and U.S. Military Ordnance history. Subjected to rigorous Ordnance Department sub-inspections by inspectors like Henry Nettleton (1878) and David F. Clark (1880–1887), every military Single Action Army tells a story. However, serial number X / 48200 occupies a realm of its own as one of the most historically important single-action revolvers ever documented. Preserved in completely original, unmolested condition, the metal surfaces display a smooth, rich dark plum and gray age patina with crisp serial numbers, proof marks, and patent lines. The original smooth walnut grip is tight to the frame, exhibiting hand wear consistent with an authentic 1880-shipped military sidearm. Accompanied by two official Colt Archive Letters signed by M.S. Huber, handwritten correspondence and research evaluations by John A. Kopec, an autographed book leaf, and photocopies of its published pages, this museum-grade Single Action Army is an irreplaceable centerpiece for any world-class collection of Frontier Americana or U.S. Martial arms.
Contents:
This historic offering includes the Original Colt 1st Gen U.S. Cavalry / "Civilian-U.S." SAA Revolver (#X/48200), (2) Official Colt Factory Archive Letters signed by Historian Emeritus M.S. Huber, Original Typed Authentication Letter Signed by John A. Kopec (Dated Dec. 17, 1990), Original Handwritten Research Letter Signed by John A. Kopec (Dated Nov. 8, 1990), Autographed Book Inscription Leaf Signed by John A. Kopec (Dated Sept. 25, 1994), and Published Book Pages & Research Documentation from Cavalry & Artillery Revolver, A Continuing Study (Pages 69–71).
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. 
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Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1202948980 |
BidPrice: |
425.69 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-09-20 22:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
505 |
