Fall 2026 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
November 5th, 6th, 7th, & 8th, 2026
This auction will feature an outstanding collection of items spanning multiple categories including Modern, Military, Sporting, & Antique firearms & militaria! Below is just a small grouping of select highlights from the massive offering to be featured in this upcoming sale.
“RUNS THE ENEMY” ATTRIBUTED CUSTER BATTLEFIELD AINSWORTH INSPECTED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER
01-29689 | Cal. 45. | S# 7087.
This revolver was part of 1000 revolvers in “lot 7” issued March 1874, a handful of these revolvers are known from records as to 5th & 7th Cavalry issue, S# 7119 is known 7th Cav gun, but as John Kopek writes in 2008 letter, S#s 7084 & 7088 which bracket this revolver are known 5th Cavalry issues. Regardless, this revolver was sold twice by James Julia Auctions for significant sum based on a fanciful account of the battle supposedly dictated by Runs-The-Enemy (1861-1913) listing this revolver by S# and who carried it in the battle, the manuscript supposedly disappeared in 1973 at Wounded Knee occupation recorded in Lakota language by author & advocate Ivan Star. There is an excellent detailed 1913 published account of the battle by Runs-the-Enemy in Dr. Joseph Dixon’s “The Vanishing Race” from 1909 interview. The 15 year old Sioux fighter who lead 30 men at the battle gives account of captured arms from Custer’s men but of course no detailed information on any particular gun. Standard configuration, 7.5” barrel, correct early 1-line slanted Harford address, 2-line patents on frame, matching S#s noted on barrel, frame, cylinder (partially obscured, triggerguard, backstrap, and inked inside backstrap channel on grips. Oliver W. Ainsworth inspection initials are observed on barrel, cylinder, trigger guard, and backstrap. Ainsworth cartouche is partially visible on left grip. Additional “P” proofs are stamped on barrel and cylinder. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Copy of fanciful transcription listing gun by S#. Copy of published account from Dixon’s text of Runs-The-Enemy’s account excellent account of the Battle of Little Big Horn. Copy of James Julia lot 1160, Oct. 31, 2017 sale of this revolver, paid bill of sale. Copy of John Kopek letter of authenticity properly describing this revolver. STATUS: ANTIQUE.
