^Lot 133 Colt Model of 1895 Double Action Revolver

Colt Model of 1895 Double Action Cartridge Revolver, #1223, .38 Colt CF cal., 6'' round barrel marked on top ahead of juncture with frame: ''Colt's Pt. F.A. Mfg. Co., Hartford, CT. U.S.A./Patented Aug. 5, 1884, Nov. 6, 88, Mar. 5, 95'' in two lines and ''Colt. D.A. 38'' on left side, fitted with a tall semi-circular blade front sight; 6-shot ''swing-out'' cylinder with short flutes has an ''RAC'' (Rinaldo A. Carr) military inspector's mark on rear face and features automatic cartridge ejection via a sliding cylinder axle; solid frame (with top groove rear sight, sliding cylinder release and integral triggerguard) marked ''RAC'' in matching tiny letters at rear hump on left side and with a tiny ''2'' under left grip; two-piece oil-finished walnut grips (inside left grip marked ''8'' at bottom and with a previous owner's initials ''GS''). Mfg'd 1895, originally with full-blued finish. Serial numbers match on frame, cylinder crane and sliding cylinder release (the latter also marked ''K'' and with a dot); all markings are sharp. Condition is excellent retaining approx. 80% glossy original deep Colt blue overall, the missing finish confined primarily to the gripstraps and triggerguard bow but also a patch at left-side muzzle, on right frame and general highpoint wear. Grips show a few minor dings but are solid and smooth. Action is crisp in both single- and double-actions; bore is clean with defined rifling. This revolver presents somewhat of an enigma, as it bears the ''RAC'' military inspector's marks and military style plain walnut grips; but no Army or Navy contract markings; likely it was an overrun revolver sold on the civilian market. It is also notable for being one of the earliest swing-out cylinder Colt models. Est.: $500-$700. (Antique)