Offered here is a very fine Colt Single Action Cavalry Model Revolver with New York Militia markings inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector David F. Clark (DFC). This Cavalry Model was recently re-examined by noted Colt historian and author John Kopec, who noted in his accompanying silver seal letter of authentication that the revolver was previously listed in his database and falls between nos. 113032 (New Jersey Militia) and 113057 (Artillery Model). As noted by Kopec the grip markings indicated that the revolver was issued to the 1st Separate Co. This is a very unusual example of one of the 8000 Cavalry Model revolvers refurbished by Colt circa 1895 and issued to the New York Militia. Kopec stated, “[W]e have found several very strange and never before encountered characteristics of this revolver not previously found on these New York Militia revolvers. This revolver however shows all the necessary physical traits insuring us that it had been a genuine New York Militia issued example.” Kopec had several points of interest. The revolver is not listed among the Colt records as being one of the 1895 refurbished examples. These revolvers had matching serial numbers and barrels and cylinders that were re-stamped with the full serial number by Colt during refurbishment. The Ordnance sub-inspector “DFC” initials are missing from the frame; however the serial numbers remain very distinct. New York Militia examples have been found with the “DFC” partially obliterated. The loading gate is an unmarked replacement. Military replacement components were marked with the letter “K” or the sub-inspector initials “RAC.” The additional digits “11” of the full serial number being added to the original partial serial number on the barrel and cylinder. “This assuredly indicates that this revolver was indeed refurbished at Colt’s during 1895,” concluded Kopec. The hammer is a nickel plated later replacement. New York Militia refurbished revolvers received niter finish hammers. The grip is a correct 1895 refurbishment replacement as it is correctly numbered “113040” on the back channel in ink and a small "R.A.C." sub-inspection mark on the bottom. The included Colt factory letter states it was delivered to the U.S. government inspector at the Colt plant on November 26, 1884. The right side of the grip is stamped "NY" in large letters above a unit marking and rack number "1st/ 91". The marking is for the 1st Separate Co. and rack number 91. The butt is inscribed with three script initials "Sr. C. B"; the significance of the initials is unknown. Kopec noted the inscription in his letter and wondered if "this inscription had been hand-cut into the revolver's butt-strap during its previous Cavalry service." The revolver has a military blue finish on the barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The frame, loading gate and hammer have a color casehardened finish. The one-piece walnut grip is oil finished. The revolver has the oval ejector rod head introduced at approximately serial number 113,000. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the elongated block letter address: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.". Small "D.F.C." sub-inspection stamps are visible on the underside of the barrel and on the side of the cylinder. A "P" proof mark is stamped on the underside of the barrel in front of the sub-inspection mark and on the side of the cylinder. The left side of the frame is stamped with the Colt three-dates/three-line patent marking followed by the "U.S." property mark. The full serial number is stamped on the frame, barrel, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. As already noted, two additional digits were added to the partial serial numbers originally stamped on the barrel and cylinder when the revolver was refurbished in 1895. All of the visible serial numbers match. Small "G" Colt inspection marks are stamped below the serial numbers on the trigger guard and back strap. Provenance: The Gateway Collection

Very fine. The revolver retains 80% of the correct 1895 factory refurbished Colt military blue and color casehardened finish. Most of the blue finish is present on the barrel and cylinder. The right side of the ejector housing, trigger guard and grip strap show moderate handling wear and have a blue-gray patina. The frame and loading gate retain 75% of the faded casehardened finish with strong colors in protected areas. The sides of the hammer appear to have nickel plated and 60% of the plated finish is present. The grip is very fine overall with moderate handling wear and one deep scratch in the left side. The New York markings on the right side of the grip are strong. New York marked Colt Single Action Cavalry and Artillery Model revolvers are key variations for any advanced collection of U.S. martial Colt revolvers with this example being very unusual. As Kopec put it, "To say that this revolver is unique would be an understatement. It truly stands alone as being a one-of-a-kind example. The question of why it was overlooked in the Colt 1895 records, and yet was issued as one of the New York examples will forever remain a mystery."