This U.S. contract Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army was manufactured in 1884 and was later issued to the State of New Jersey militia. Per Kopec and Fenn's "Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers...a Continuing Study," the New Jersey Militia received two lots of Cavalry Model revolvers. The first lot was for 30 revolvers and the second lot was for 100 revolvers. Based on serial number research presented in the aforementioned book, it is likely that this revolver was in the second lot (page 141). The New Jersey Militia revolver are identified by the "N.J" marking on the barrel as seen on this example. The barrel also has the one-line Hartford address on top. The left side of the frame has the three-line patent dates marking followed by "US." The U.S. Ordnance Sub-Inspector during the entire 1880s period was David F. Clark, and his initials "D.F.C." are found on the underside of the frame, underside of the barrel, side of the cylinder, and bottom of grip. A small U.S. Ordnance "P" is stamped on the underside of the barrel and side of the cylinder. The left side of the grip has the date "1884" above Frank Heath's script letter cartouche, and the right side of the grip has Clark's script letter cartouche. Matching full or partial serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, and barrel. Includes a U.S. leather flap holster with New Jersey militia "N.J" marking on the body of the holster under the flap.

Very good. The barrel and ejector rod housing retain 30% original blue finish, the cylinder retains 30% original blue finish mostly in the flutes, and the grip straps retain 20% original blue finish with a smooth gray patina on the balance. 20% of the original case colors remain mostly on the forward frame and hammer. The grip is fine with high edge wear, initials lightly hand marked on the right side towards the top, and some minor handling marks. Clark's cartouche is faint but legible, and Heath's cartouche is clear. The holster is very good. Mechanically excellent.