Rare Colt Peacemaker US Army Mirror-Finish Barrel, .45 Caliber, Inspected by H. Nettleton and Archive Letter

Colt Revolver – US Army 'Artillery' Model

Manufactured: 1879 – Caliber: .45 – Special Features: Full matching numbers and H.N. inspector's mark

History

In the late 1890s, it became apparent that the long barrel of the Colt Model 1873 revolver, initially issued to U.S. Army cavalry regiments, was no longer suitable. Those in service were recalled for inspection and refurbishment at the arsenal, where their barrels were shortened by approximately 2 inches.

This modified model became commonly known as the "Colt Artillery," although it was issued to a wide variety of military units and militias. During these refurbishments, the majority of revolvers were reassembled without matching serial numbers, a phenomenon known as "mismatching." Very few weapons escaped this process, and those that have retained their original serial numbers are now among the most sought-after by collectors. This type of Colt uses the .45 Colt black powder cartridge and is classified as Category D.

Our Model

A revolver of the so-called "Artillery" type with identical frame serial numbers is already an uncommon piece; an example that also retains its barrel and cylinder with matching serial numbers is truly exceptional.

This weapon bears the markings of the military sub-inspector Henry Nettleton. For the discerning collector, revolvers inspected by Henry Nettleton (H.N.) represent a high degree of rarity and historical interest. This inspector only validated Colt Single Action Army revolvers between 1877 and 1879, a period during which he approved the fewest firearms of any military inspector, making it a key criterion for collectors today.

The metal parts have aged to a beautiful, uniform, light gray gunmetal hue, free of oxidation. The factory markings are perfectly consistent with this early model, with the three-line Colt address mark present on the frame and top of the barrel, as well as the proof mark "P" visible under the barrel and on the cylinder. The military inspection markings are also present on the frame, cylinder, under the barrel, and on the grip. Exceptionally, the serial number 48XXX is visible on various parts of the weapon: frame, cylinder, under the barrel, and under the grip, confirming the truly exceptional nature of this military-style artillery model. The weapon is equipped with the early "donut" extractor. The oiled military-style grip has a slight indentation, typical and perfectly consistent with a weapon of this period.

Mechanically, this revolver is in excellent working order, with no cylinder gaps. The four characteristic Colt clicks are crisp and well-defined, the cocking action is clean, the trigger pull is smooth, and the indexing is perfect. The 5.5" barrel, chambered in .45 Long Colt, has a mirror-bright bore with deep, clean rifling, ensuring consistently remarkable accuracy.

This Colt Single Action Army revolver, issued to the US Army and in perfect mechanical condition, is distinguished by an extremely rare configuration, inspected by Henry Nettleton, and, most importantly, preserved in an exceptionally "full matching" configuration, with all its parts bearing the same serial number.

The firearm is accompanied by a letter from the Colt archives confirming its specifications.

It is also accompanied by its official Category D classification certificate, issued by the National Proof House of Saint-Étienne.