NOTICE

• We are no longer offering Authentication letters for the general public, but will continue as an Authenticator for Rock Island Auctions Bedford, Texas.
• Contributing author for the Texas Gun Collector.
• Contributing author for the “Rampant Colt” (Colt Collector’s Magazine).

Because we have written over 2500 letters of authentication since the late 1970's there may be a good chance that we have written a letter about the revolver in question. In this event, we are currently offering complimentary consultations for proposed buyers, before making a mistake. Give John a call.

(9am to 1pm only, Pacific Time M-Saturday only)

Please note John does not use email.

GOLD SEAL LETTERS: This classification was awarded to a revolver which was found to be authentic in every respect, regardless of the percent of original finish remaining, may be awarded our "Gold-Seal" letter. This revolver is one which the writer felt would qualify being in his own personal collection: one for which "no excuses" would ever be required. Few surviving examples will qualify for this distinction. All Gold Seal Letters were printed on parchment paper.

SILVER SEAL LETTERS: This classification is awarded to a few revolvers that are just not in the condition that would have warranted a "Gold Seal" letter, but in reality, were nice, honest examples worthy of any collection. These extra-nice condition revolvers were awarded our "Silver Seal" letter of authentication.

BRONZE SEAL LETTERS: We have recently initiated our "Bronze-Seal” Letter of Authentication. An authentication letter was assigned a “Bronze Seal” providing the following criteria is satisfied; the revolver remained basically original but may have a few replaced components i.e. hammer, ejector head, grips, screws etc. or had sustained polishing, re-nickel plating, re-bluing, or other modifications in the distant past.

SPECIAL NOTICE: The above “SEAL” letters were awarded solely at the discretion of Mr. Kopec. Authentic, historically-associated revolvers may have been awarded our “Gold Seal” letter. Solid history will always trump condition.

NOTE: Revolvers showing “Restoration” i.e. new barrels, cylinders, restamped serial numbers, counterfeit barrel addresses or fake inspector’s cartouches and/or the increasingly common “Artillery re-conversions” were assigned our standard blind-embossed seal letter.

Finally: Don't be discouraged, there are some great Cavalry and Artillery revolvers surfacing out of estates and families on a regular basis. Maybe you'll find the next one!

COLT ARCHIVES HISTORICAL LETTERS: The Colt Archives Department cannot supply letters on Cavalry revolvers below serial #30,600. They may however have information about an Artillery revolver with a frame serial number below this number. We highly recommend that you obtain a Colt Archives historical letter on your Cavalry or Artillery revolver. They may be reached at (860) 554-8088, Ask for Beverly Haynes.

CONSIGNMENTS WELCOME

WE HAVE RECENTLY BROKERED SEVERAL NICE CAVALRY REVOLVERS ON CONSIGNMENT. WE ARE ALWAYS INTERESTED IN HANDLING YOUR GOOD HONEST MILITARY SINGLE ACTION REVOLVERS. EACH REVOLVER CONSIGNED TO US WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY OUR “LETTER OF AUTHENTICATION”. THESE LETTERS WILL BE PROVIDED TO INTERESTED BUYERS PRIOR TO SALE. NO PHOTOGRAPHS PROVIDED. OUR FEE IS 10% OF THE SELLING PRICE, PLUS SHIPPING. GIVE US A CALL TO DISCUSS YOUR DESIRES.