Ainsworth Inspected Colt Single Action Army

At first glance, this Colt Single Action Army revolver looks pretty standard. However, a closer inspection reveals a wealth of historical significance and rarity that similar models simply do not possess. Discover what makes these Ainsworth Colt revolvers so valuable and why collectors are willing to trade their spurs to get their hands on one.
This December, five of these incredible Single Action Army revolvers will be available for sale during Rock Island Auction Company's Sale of the Century. Don't miss out on this massive auction taking place from December 4-6 with the preview hall opening on December 3. Explore the digital catalog available now on Rock Island Auction Company's website.
00:25 Who was Orville Ainsworth?
00:58 Ainsworth Markings
01:15 Why are Ainsworth Colts so desirable?
01:54 Lot 1220 Nickel Plated Ainsworth Inspected Colt
02:58 Lot 237 Mikado Colt Cavalry Model SAA
04:10 Lost collectibles are rediscovered
04:50 What makes a Mikado Colt so unique?
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[@cstoff6066]

Every Colt SAA that comes up here, has taught me something new. I wish school history lessons had been so interesting!

[@RockIslandAuctionCompany]

Thanks! That was exactly the idea. "Ainsworth Colt" is a term a lot of us hear, but what does it MEAN and why should we care?

[@keithtolman6904]

Fascinating! My great-grandfather, Grandpa Charlie (1876-1967), was my best childhood buddy. A retired railroad detective and veteran of shootouts back in the old days. He was born on the Northern Plains a few months before Custer went down at the Little Big Horn. Hard to believe this old man knew people with connections to the period!

[@timothyspahn6134]

I just got a new colt saa. One of 350 made to honor Thomas Threeperson . I love it

[@snappers_antique_firearms]

I just bought my first real colt single action army. Its nothing special compared to other colts.its made in 1882. But my god I never thought I could love and cherish a firearm so much

[@bobbybigtimes9579]

Great documentary! I’m looking for one these are so hard to find, today I held a Colt 45 1972 GII, debating getting it or waiting for the One n Only Peace Maker US Army

[@alswann2702]

Retained = officer jargon for stole!

[@alexreams1060]

Can't blame him, I'd take the chance to 'retain' it if it crossed my desk too.

[@gumecindogarcia1070]

When somebody retains a gun outside a club/restaurant they wanna get mad at the thief. I've seen some bum neighborhood guys with awesome firearms

[@chrischiampo7647]

😮😳😲 WOW

[@eulogio604]

Legends never die, peacemaker forever🤠

[@indiancreek1570]

Ok , so now I no what that letter A stands for on papa’s old gun

[@noth606]

Emperor Meggi?! Come on!

[@normanbraslow7902]

Spelled Meiji. Given name, Mutsuhito.

[@oldeays5085]

You mean they were stolen back! Lol!

1:36 custer's 7th cav was defeated by warriors and his own arrogance. unarmed Native American women, children and elders were slaughtered in "police actions". Little Big Horn was payback. words matter. use them properly.

[@TRUMY7]

The context of using "slaughtered" doesn't necessarily imply that 7th Cav was "innocent." Just means in colloquial military and combat terms they were all killed.

[@RockIslandAuctionCompany]

The world "slaughter" places no judgement on those slain or those slaughtering. It only means the "killing of a large number," and for that the 7th Cav definitely qualifies.