Colt US. Contract Cavalry Model Single Action revolver that was originally manufactured in 1887 and Sub-Inspected by David F, Clark (D.F.C.). This revolver was subsequently altered to Artillery configuration with five-inch barrel and overhauled at Colt in 1903. The revolver has the Colt commercial blue finish on the barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The frame, loading gate and hammer are casehardened. The one-piece walnut grip is oil finished. The revolver has the typical combination of original components with mixed serial numbers and Colt replacement parts from the 1903 overhaul. The ejector housing is the first style with barrel boss used from serial numbers 202-18600. The barrel has the ejector boss hole, script style address "+COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A. +" with slanted crosses at either end and is stamped with the partial serial number "1280" in front of the frame. The bottom of the frame is stamped with the Sub-Inspector mark "D.F.C." above the serial number "119922". The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt Three-Date/Three-Line patent marking followed by the "U.S" property mark. The loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "44". The cylinder is a Colt replacement that is stamped "RAC" on the rear face between the chambers and lacks the proof, Sub-Inspection and serial numbers on the side. The trigger guard is numbered "132924" and the back strap is serial numbered "115/183". The lower left side of the grip is stamped with the overhaul date "1903" above the script initials of the Ordnance Sub-Inspector "RAC" surrounded by a rectangle with rounded ends. 1903 was the only year that only the Sub-Inspector's initials were stamped on the grip and the only year that the date was on the right side of the grip rather than the left. The right heel of the grip is stamped with a small "R.A.C." Sub-Inspection mark. The ejector rod has the early "bullseye" head and the hammer is the cavalry pattern with bordered, elongated knurling on the spur. The Colt Single Action revolvers overhauled by Colt between 1900 and 1903 had been previously altered to Artillery configuration and were refurbished to provide Army troops in the Philippines a harder-hitting replacement for the Colt .38 DA revolver.

Very fine as arsenal refurbished. The revolver retains more than 85% of the blue and casehardened finish. The barrel and ejector housing have some scattered light pitting and holster wear. The barrel markings are light. The cylinder retains most of the high polish Colt blue finish with light edge wear. Most of the blue finish is present on the trigger guard with some thinning on the grip strap. The blue finish on the contact areas of the back strap has aged to a dark patina. The frame, loading gate and hammer retain more than 95% of the casehardened finish with vivid case colors. Most of the niter blue finish is present on the frame screws. The grip is in excellent condition with only light handling wear. The date and Sub-Inspection mark on the right side of the grip are crisp. The action is tight and functions fine. This is a very fine example of a Colt Single Action Artillery Model revolver overhauled by Colt in 1903 for use in the Philippine Insurrection.