This specific revolver is pictured and discussed on page 286 of "A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver" by Graham, Kopec and Moore. It was manufactured in 1874 and has the distinctive "A" inspection mark of Ordnance Sub-Inspector Orville W. Ainsworth stamped on the underside of the barrel, bottom of the trigger guard, top of the back strap and on the side of the cylinder. In addition, the left side of the frame is stamped "U.S.X." (United States Express Co.) below the small "U.S." property mark, and the right side of the frame is stamped with the serial number. A small "P" proofmark is stamped on the underside of the barrel and on the side of the cylinder. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with Colt two-line/two-date patent markings behind the "U.S." property mark. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the first style legend: "+ COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.+" with slanted letters and slanted crosses at either end. The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number is stamped on the barrel underneath the ejector housing and on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The assembly number "449" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. An Ordnance inspection mark is visible on the lower left side of the replacement grip (the original grip is included). The revolver has the first style ejector housing with barrel boss, "bullseye" ejector rod head, cylinder with small square stops and cavalry style hammer with extended, bordered knurling on the spur. The barrel, ejector housing, trigger guard and back strap have a blue finish, and the frame, loading gate and hammer are color casehardened.

Very good as professionally refinished by Turnbull Restoration Co., Inc. Mechanically excellent. This is a desirable Ainsworth inspected U.S. contract Single Action Cavalry Model revolver and one of only two Single Action Army revolvers with documented "U.S.X." markings.