Colt Model 1873 Single Action Cavalry revolver manufactured in 1873; this revolver was in the first lot of revolvers shipped from Colt to FT. Levenworth, Kansas, on 22 December 1873. Many of these revolvers were issued to the Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th Cavalry Regiment (includes research provided by consignor). This revolver, serial number "233", has one of the lowest serial numbers of any Colt Cavalry Single Action; "CAVALRY & ARTILLERY REVOLVERS" by Kopec and Fenn state that serial number 179 is the lowest number Cavalry Single Action extant and serial numbers 182, 189, 200 and 215 have been identified in collections. Although the 10th Cavalry received the first issue of Colt Single Action revolvers number 266 is documented as having been issued to the 8th Cavalry Regiment. The revolver has a replacement barrel with the correct "Script' style address, serial number, "A" sub-inspection mark and "P" proof. The left side of the frame is stamped with the early Colt 'Two-Date/Two-Line' patent markings and a "U.S." property mark. The small "A" inspection mark of Ordnance Sub-Inspector Orville W. Ainsworth is stamped on the trigger guard behind the serial number, on the top of the back strap and on the side of the cylinder. The serial number, "233", is stamped on the frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. The side of the cylinder is also stamped with small "P" proof mark. The inside of the loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "130". The early pattern cylinder has the distinctive small bolt stops and guides with minimal beveling between flute inlets. The ejector rod has the early 'bullseye' head. The one-piece walnut grip has a very faint, script, "OWA" sub-inspection mark on the lower left side. The revolver is complete with an Indian War Cavalry belt and holster rig. The rig consists of a Model 1874 waist belt with rectangular brass Model 1874 belt plate. The belt has Watervliet Arsenal markings. The belt has a pre-Civil War frog for a sword bayonet or M1840 NCO Sword attached with two copper rivets. The belt lacks any provision for attachment of saber hangers. Attached to the belt are a M1874 Dyer Cartridge Box, a Civil War percussion cap pouch converted to a pouch for revolver cartridges, a Civil War, full-flap holster for Army size percussion revolvers and sheath knife with 8-inch, spear point blade, elk-horn grips and black leather scabbard. The rig is typical of what a cavalry trooper would have carried at the Battle of Little Big Horn.

Fair. The revolver has a correctly marked replacement barrel and all the correct components for an early production Colt Single Action Cavalry revolver. The barrel and ejector housing have a gray-brown patina with smooth metal surfaces. The frame, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap have a dark patina with silvered high points and some scattered light pitting. The markings on the left side of the frame are faint. The markings on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder are clear. The hammer shows less wear than other components. The grip is in good overall condition with scattered handling marks. The hammer will not hold at half-cock. The M1874 Belt and attached components are in good overall condition. The belt and cap box have moderate to heavy age cracking and flaking. The cartridge box retains part of the sheep-skin lining and is in very good condition. The holster has the original latch tab and has less flaking than the belt with some loose stitching on the seam. The knife has a bright blade and is in very good condition. This is a solid example of one of the lowest serial number Cavalry Single Action revolvers in existent with a good, representative, Little Big Horn period holster rig.