Factory letter states revolver was sold to the U.S. Government, Shipped on December 23, 1905, and delivered to the commanding officer, Springfield Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts, with a 6 inch barrel in .45 caliber, blue finish, and type of stocks not listed. This was a 50 gun shipment. This shipment is discussed in Don Wilkerson's "Colt's Double-Action Revolver, Model of 1878" on page 145: "On December 23, 1904, Colt shipped 50 revolvers in .45 caliber with 6" barrels to the Commanding Officer, Springfield Armory. Very little is known about these revolvers and non one, not even the Springfield Armory, seemed to know exactly just what model they had ordered. In the Armory's annual report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1905, the revolvers are listed as 'New Service' revolvers." Additional information is found on page 403 and on page 404 where this revolver is pictured and cited as "a rare variation as the contract specified only fifty revolvers, plus the one model for approval." The revolver has "U.S." stamped on the right side of the frame, lacks military inspector stamps, and features the long trigger and oversized trigger guard common to the Model 1878/1902. These fifty revolvers were shipped to Springfield Armory exactly one year after the last major shipment of Model 1878/1902 "Alaskan/Philippine" revolvers were shipped. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Very good overall with original finish in and around the protected areas, some scattered pitting/spotting, some softened grip checkering. Mechanically fine.