This Colt Single Action Army Revolver was manufactured in 1890. The bottom of the revolver backstrap butt is lightly period engraved with the name "E.S. NORRIS". Edmund S. Norris was a member of the famous "Rough Riders". The "Rough Riders" or the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish American War. Service records show that Edmund S. Norris served in the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry from May 1, 1898 to September 30, 1898. The dates of service indicate that Norris was probably engaged in the fighting at Las Guasimas, Cuba, on June 24, 1898, and the decisive assault on San Juan Hill on July 1, 1898. The pistol is accompanied by a Colt factory letter that describes it as a "Colt Single Action Army Revolver", caliber .45 Colt with 5 1/2-inch barrel, blue finish and black, hard rubber, grips. The letter states that the revolver was shipped to the C.W. Hackett Hardware Company, St. Paul, Minnesota, on April 13, 1890. The revolver is fitted with ivory grips. The right grip has a detailed, relief-carved steer head. The barrel is roll-stamped with the 'elongated block letter' address: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.-" in one line. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the 'three-date/three-line' Colt patent markings. "45 CAL" is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard bow. The loading gate is stamped with assembly number "482". A small "S" Colt sub-inspection mark is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder and a "G" is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole. The serial number, "125253" is located on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. All of the visible serial numbers match.

Fine. The revolver retains 20% of the original blue and 30% casehardened finish which is in the protected areas. The frame and barrel have a very attractive, mottled, gray patina with traces of blue and casehardened finish. The surfaces of the barrel and frame are smooth and free from handling marks or pitting. The barrel, frame and trigger markings are crisp. The cylinder has a sliver gray patina with some minor flash pitting on the face and in the flutes. The ivory grip is in very fine condition. The very attractive ivory is slightly yellowed from age. The edges of the relief carved steer head are sharp and the carving has an attractive patina. Wear is limited to the typical age cracks on the bottom of the grips. The revolver has a good bore. The action is crisp and tight but the hammer does not hold at half-cock. This is a solid example of a black powder Colt Single Action Army Revolver attributed to a member of the famous Rough Riders. The revolver pre-dates the Spanish American War and, given the inscription is correct, could have been carried by Edmund Norris at the Battle of San Juan Hill. This revolver needs more research done.