Manufactured in 1890, this documented example of a U.S. Colt Single Action Army revolver which managed to survive in its original Cavalry Model configuration. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration, grips and barrel length not listed as is typical, as well as shipment to the U.S. government inspector on 3 July 1890 in a shipment of 150 guns. The included John Kopec letter states that this revolver was inspected by Stanhope E. Blunt and Rinaldo A. Carr, and that the revolver could not be located in the National Archives records. It goes on to state that in 1891, 212 cavalry model revolvers were issued to state militia units and that this may have been one of them, which would account for it remaining in its original Cavalry Model configuration. The letter notes that the revolver is fitted with a "donut" type ejector head, which should be the later oval style, but the revolver is now fitted with the oval style. The standard one-line address is marked on the top of the barrel. The left of the frame is marked with the three-line patent dates and "U.S". The matching serial number is on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, while the partial matching serial number "4172" is on the bottom of the barrel and the cylinder. Carr's "R.A.C." inspection mark is on the bottom of the barrel, bottom of the frame, bottom of the grip, and the cylinder, and there are "K" inspection marks on the trigger guard and back strap. It is fitted with a smooth one piece walnut grip that is marked on the left with "1890" over Stanhope E. Blunt's "SEB" cartouche, while Carr's "RAC" cartouche is on the right. Revolvers such as this one remaining in their original Cavalry Model configuration that avoided being converted to Artillery Model configuration are rare in any condition. Kopec notes at the end of the his letter that "there is no question that this revolver remains today as an outstanding example of a late manufacture U.S. Cavalry revolver."

Fine, retains 60% of the original blue finish and 50% of the vibrant original case colors with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey-brown patina, primarily on the cylinder and grip straps, and a few scattered patches of light pitting, mostly on the barrel near the muzzle. The grip is also fine with some scattered light handling marks and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. A very fine example of a 1890 manufactured, Rinaldo A. Carr inspected, U.S. Colt Cavalry Model revolver which would certainly enhance your collection!