Manufactured in 1877, this is a very fine example of a U.S. Colt Cavalry Model revolver which was refurbished in 1895 and reissued to the New York state militia. It is pictured and identified in Kopec and Fenn's "Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers" on page 128. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration, barrel length not listed as is typical, as well as shipment to the U.S. government inspector on 13 February 1877 in a 200 gun shipment. It goes on to state that this revolver was returned to the factory for refurbishing and subsequently reshipped on 4 October 1895. The included letter from noted Colt historian and author John Kopec states that no records for this revolver could be located in the National Archives, however, its serial number falls between two other revolvers (34491 and 34524) which were both listed in the 14 March 1888 inventories of Troop L, 7th Cavalry, indicating the possibility that this revolver was also issued to the regiment at some point prior to 1893. The letter goes on to state that the revolver was recalled to the arsenal and held in storage there for two years before being sent in a group of 800 revolvers for refurbishment at the Colt factory. Unlike many Cavalry revolvers that were modified to Artillery configuration, these revolvers remained in the cavalry configuration and were reassemble with their matching serial numbered parts. In addition to this, those which previously had cylinders and barrels with only the last four digits of the serial number stamped on them, had all of the absent digits added, like this example shows. These revolvers were then issued to various New York state militia units in 1895 and 1896, with this revolver believed to have been issued to the 1st Battery of the New York militia due to the markings on the right of the grip. Records indicate the 1st Battery was issued 85 revolvers in 1896. The barrel and left of the frame on this revolver have standard markings including "U.S." Matching serial numbers are found on the frame, trigger guard, barrel, cylinder, and back strap, with the loading gate having the assembly number "6013". Rinaldo A. Carr's inspection mark "R.A.C." is on the bottom of the frame and bottom of the grip. John T. Cleveland's "J.T.C." inspection mark is on the barrel under the ejector, which Kopec notes was likely a mistake by the inspector. Kopec goes on to note that the revolver appears to all be correct in every aspect as refurbished in 1895 and that the back strap serial number was re-stamped at that time in the style of numerals current at the time. It has standard features and is fitted with a one piece walnut grip with "R.A.C." inspection mark on the butt and "1st N.Y./92" on the right side. This specific Cavalry Model was featured in the "Colt: Legacy of a Legend" exhibit at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in 2003 which was billed by the Colt Collectors Association as the "Most historically significant Colt display in 100 years." Provenance: The Dick Burdick Collection; "Colt: Legacy of a Legend" exhibit at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in 2003; Property of a Gentleman

Fine as Colt factory refurbished in 1895, retains 60% of the blue finish and 50% of the case colors, most vibrant in sheltered areas, with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina and some scattered light spotting along the barrel. The grip is also fine with some minor handling marks scattered throughout and crisp New York militia markings. Mechanically excellent. A fine, well documented U.S. Colt Cavalry/New York Militia Model revolver!