This U.S. contract Colt "Cavalry Model" single action revolver was manufactured in 1884 and inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector David F. Clark. The revolver features the standard one-line Hartford barrel address, and the frame has the three-line Colt patent marking followed by "U.S." property mark. A small block "D.F.C." sub-inspection mark is stamped on the underside of the barrel, bottom of the frame above the serial number, side of the cylinder, and on the left grip butt. "P" proof marks are stamped on the underside of the barrel and side of the cylinder. The ordnance replacement loading gate has Rinaldo A. Carr sub-inspector initials "RAC." The full serial number is visible on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The partial serial number "2264" is stamped on the cylinder and barrel. The left side of the grip is dated "1884" over Frank Heath's script letter cartouche, and the right side of the grip has Clark's script letter cartouche. Heath inspected Cavalry Models fall into the 111656-116931 serial number range, a period of production from August 11, 1884-January 31, 1885 for 2,000 revolvers. The leather military belt holster is an experimental type made for the Colt SAA and Smith & Wesson Schofield revolvers (see Rattenbury's "Packing Iron," pages 30-31) . The design is often credited to Captain James Ropes and incorporates a civilian Mexican loop type holster with ten cartridge loops sewn at the mouth of the holster under the flap and an extended belt loop/skirt.

Fine. The barrel retains 60% original blue finish, the ejector rod housing retains 70% original blue finish, the cylinder retains traces of original blue finish in the flutes, and the grip straps retain traces of original blue finish heavier around the trigger with a mottled brown-gray patina on the balance. 20% original case colors remain on the hammer and frame. The grip is fine with handling mark, high edge wear, and legible date and cartouches. The holster is good with a partial closure strap absent. Mechanically excellent.