Colt records show serial number 25502 as having been sent out June 28, 1876, then returned October 6 of the same year. It has been spuriously stamped with the initials of John Cleveland, though the serial number falls outside the range of his known work. One line block letter address on top of barrel, with 'donut' head ejector rod, and "5502" under the rod housing. The frame has a three line, three date patent marking next to a "US" marking (a later stamping), "C" and "JTC" stamped on the toe. The trigger guard, backstrap, and replacement cylinder are numbered to the frame, with a spurious J mark on the trigger guard and backstrap, and "JTC" on the cylinder. The grips are smooth walnut, with no visible markings or cartouches. The documents included are copies of original documents prepared by the ATF and Colt Manufacturing Company. The ATF, Colt Historical Research Department, and Colt Firearms Control Staff researched each firearm. This was part of an ATF investigation to ensure that each of the firearms were in fact original and not forgeries or renumbered in any way. The facts on the research information sheets are directly from the Colt records and Colt Historical Research Department.

Refinished/ rebarreled/ restamped overall with the basic frame, trigger guard, and backstrap being original and subsequently stamped with spurious U.S. markings. The replacement barrel is an artificial greenish gray patina, with some handling marks and wear. The frame has faded to silver, with areas of darkened casehardened pattern, and signs of heavy polishing in the area of the spurious restamped "U.S." marking. The grips are very good, with three notches cut into the left side of the butt, along with scattered dings and scratches. The action is jammed.