Colt Single Action Army Artillery Model, serial 17476, made in 1875 in .45 Colt with a 5 1/2-inch round barrel. The metal has aged to brown with traces of the original blue and case colors in sheltered spots, the grips show honest wear and rate very good, and the action indexes and functions as it should. A printed copy of Edward Godfrey's account of Wounded Knee accompanies the gun.

Godfrey was a lieutenant at the Little Bighorn in June 1876, where he saw the destruction of Custer's command and later criticised Captain Reno's conduct. Wounded at Bear Paw Mountain in the Nez Perce War eleven years on, he received the Medal of Honor. He commanded the 9th Cavalry in the Philippines in 1901 and the cavalry and field artillery school at Fort Riley from 1904 to 1907, the period in which this revolver is believed to have been issued to him; he retired a brigadier general in 1907. The gun descended through his family to Mrs. Dromgoole.

Key features

• Artillery Model, serial 17476, made 1875
• .45 Colt, 5 1/2-inch round barrel
• Brown patina with traces of blue and case colors
• Grips very good, action indexes correctly
• Printed Godfrey Wounded Knee account included

Like every handgun we sell, this Colt goes to a licensed Massachusetts FFL dealer, who checks your LTC in person before releasing it.