This is a very fine example of a U.S. contract Colt Cavalry Model revolver that was manufactured in 1874, and subsequently refurbished to 'Artillery" configuration with 5 1/2-inch barrel and refurbished by Colt in 1901 for issue to U.S. forces in the Philippines. The barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap have the Colt commercial blue finish used on revolvers refurbished in 1900-1903. The frame, loading gate and hammer are color casehardened and the one-piece walnut grip is oil finished. The barrel and ejector housing are the first style with barrel boss. The ejector rod head is the early 'bullseye' pattern. The hammer has the shorter 'civilian' knurling on the spur. The partial serial number on the underside of the barrel is no longer legible;. the frame is serial numbered "6170", the trigger guard "82112", the back strap "93/217" and the cylinder is stamped with the partial serial number "017" above "115270". The combination of serial numbers on the cylinder indicates that the revolver was altered to artillery configuration during or prior to the Spanish American War and subsequently sent to Colt for refurbishment in 1900-1903. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the first style 'script' address: "+ COLT"S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A. +" with slanted crosses at either end. A "P" proof mark and small "A" sub-inspection mark are stamped on the underside of the barrel. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt two-date/two-line patent marking followed by the "U.S." property mark. The assembly number, "328" is stamped on the loading gate. A "C" Colt inspection mark is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole. In addition to the serial numbers, the side of the cylinder is stamped with a "P" proof mark and a "D.F.C." sub-inspection mark. The rear face of the cylinder is stamped with three Colt inspection marks, "S', "K" and "O". A small "G" is stamped on the back strap below the serial number. The lower left side of the grip is stamped with the date "1901" above the Ordnance final inspection mark which consists of the script initials "OCH" (Lt. Odus C. Horney) enclosed in a rectangle with rounded ends. The script initials of the Ordnance Sub-Inspector Rinaldo A. Carr (RAC) enclosed in a rectangle are stamped on the lower right side of the grip. "R.A.C." is stamped in small letters on the lower right grip heel.

Very fine. The revolver retains 95% of the Colt blue. Wear is limited to some minor finish loss on the muzzle, the edges of the ejector housing and the edges of the cylinder with several very minor scratches on the top of the barrel. 70% of the casehardened finish is present on the frame; the case colors on the hammer and loading gate have silvered slightly. There are several minor spots of age discoloration on the top strap. The grip is excellent with extremely crisp date, final inspection and sub-inspection marks and nearly all of the oil finish. The barrel and frame markings are clear. The bore is bright. The action is tight and functions perfectly. This is an extremely fine original example of a U.S. Colt Single Action Artillery Model revolver.