This U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver was manufactured in 1885 and subsequently reissued circa 1895 to the New York militia. This revolver is one of the approximately 5,200 Cavalry Model Single Actions that were inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector David F. Clark ("D.F.C.) and Ordnance Inspector Captain Frank Heath ("F.H.") in 1884 and 1885. It is listed by serial number on page 79 of "COLT CAVALRY & ARTILLERY REVOLVERS" by John Kopec and Sterling Fenn as one of the 126 Single Action Cavalry revolvers inspected by Captain Frank Heath that were issued to the New York militia. The left side of the grip is boldly stamped with the New York militia rack number "A/380" and "66". The revolver has the Colt high polish blue finish on the barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The frame, hammer and loading gate have a color casehardened finish and the trigger and screws are niter blue. The one-piece walnut grip has an oil finish. The revolver has the "bullseye" ejector housing and cavalry style hammer with elongated, bordered, knurling on the spur. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the fourth style "Elongated Block Letter" address: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.-". The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt "Three-Dates/Three-Line" patent marking followed by the "U.S." property mark. The full serial number, "114517" is stamped on the right side of the barrel underneath the ejector housing, on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, back strap and on the side of the cylinder. All of the serial numbers match. The two additional digits on the barrel and cylinder serial numbers have a different font from the same numbers "11" on the frame trigger guard and hammer. The additional numbers were apparently added at Colt in 1895-1896 when the revolver was inspected prior to issue to the New York Militia (see Kopec and Fenn page 87). The "D.F.C." sub-inspection is present on the underside of the barrel, the bottom of the frame, the side of the cylinder and on the right heel of the grip. A small "P" proof mark is stamped on the underside of the barrel and on the side of the cylinder. A "G" is stamped below the serial number on the trigger guard. Colt "C" and "G" sub-inspection marks are stamped below the ejector housing stud. A Colt "S" and "3" inspection marks are stamped on the rear face of the cylinder and a small "S" is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole. The left side of the grip is stamped with the date "1885" above the final inspection mark which consists of the script initials "FH" surrounded by an oval. The script initials "DFC" surrounded by a rectangle with rounded ends are stamped on the lower right side of the grip. The included factory letter confirms the serial number, caliber, and blue finish with the barrel length and type of stocks not listed (usually an indication of a 7 1/2 inch barrel and walnut stocks). The revolver was part of a 100 gun shipment that went to the U.S. Government Inspector located at the Colt plant on January 28, 1885. The factory records also indicated that the revolver was returned to the factory for refurbishing and was again delivered to the U.S. Government Inspector at the Colt plant on October 4, 1895.

Excellent. The revolver retains 90% plus of the Colt blue and casehardened finish. The barrel and ejector housing have some minor finish wear on the high points. The cylinder has some scattered finish wear and some flaking on one chamber and retains 85% of the blue finish. The grip strap has some finish wear but the balance of the trigger guard and the back strap have nearly all of the blue intact. The frame and hammer retain more than 95% of the casehardened finish with vivid case colors. The screws have 60% of the niter blue finish and show minimal screw-driver wear. All of the markings are clear. The bore is bright. The grip is in very good condition with several light handling marks. The original final inspection mark and date on the left side of the grip are crisp and legible but have been partially over-stamped with the larger New York militia rack numbers. The "DFC" sub-inspection mark on the right side of the grip is crisp. The action is tight and functions perfectly. This is an exceptional example of a "DFC" inspected/New York militia issue Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver.