U.S. contract Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver manufactured in 1891. This revolver was purchased by the Ordnance Department as part of the final contract for Colt Single Action Army revolvers. The last revolver in this contract, serial number 140, 361, was delivered to the government on April 28, 1891. The revolver was inspected by Captain Stanhope E. Blunt and Ordnance Sub-Inspector Rinaldo A. Carr. Captain Blunt's script "SEB" final inspection mark is stamped on the lower left side of the grip below the date "1891". Rinaldo Carr's sub-inspection mark (R.A.C.) is stamped in script letters on the lower right side of the grip and in block letters on the underside of the barrel, the bottom of the frame, the side of the cylinder and on the bottom of the left grip heel. This revolver was one of 120 new "R.A.C." sub-inspected Colt Single Action Cavalry revolvers issued to the New York Militia on January 26 and June 28, 1893. The right side of the grip is stamped with the New York Militia Signal Corps marking that consists of two crossed signal flags with "2" above the flags and "N.Y." below them. The rack number "2/SC/25" is stamped on the butt of the revolver. Identical markings are shown in figures 9-12 and 9-13 on page 132 of "COLT CAVALRY AND ARTILLERY REVOLVERS" by John Kopec and Sterling Fenn. The revolver has the Colt military blue finish on the barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The frame, loading gate and hammer have a color casehardened finish and the one-piece walnut grip is oil-finished. The revolver has a 'bullseye' ejector rod head and cavalry style hammer with bordered elongated checkering on the spur. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in a single line with elongated block lettering. A "P" proof mark and "R.A.C." sub-inspection mark are stamped on the underside of the barrel. The left side of the frame is stamped with the Colt 'three-line/three-date' patent markings followed by the "U.S." property mark. The assembly number "1892" is stamped on the loading gate. A "P" proof mark and "R.A.C." sub-inspection mark are stamped on the side of the cylinder. Colt "K" and "O" sub-inspection marks are stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole. Colt "K" inspection marks are stamped on the trigger guard and back strap behind the serial number. The partial serial number "0060" is stamped on the underside of the barrel beneath the ejector housing and on the side of the cylinder. The full serial number "140060" is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. All of the visible serial numbers match. Most of the Colt Single Action Cavalry revolvers encountered with New York militia markings were refurbished by Colt in 1895. Original condition Colt Single Action Cavalry revolvers with New York markings, like this example, are scarce; revolvers with the crossed signal flags marking are rare.

Very fine. The revolver retains 60% plus original blue. The barrel has most of the blue finish; feathered polishing marks are visible on either side of the front sight blade. The barrel has scattered handling marks and some pitting on the right side of the muzzle. Contact points on the ejector housing, cylinder, and back strap have faded to a gray-brown patina. Considerable amounts of original bright blue finish are present on the trigger guard, cylinder flutes and protected areas of the back strap and ejector housing. There is half of the casehardened finish remaining on the frame, loading gate and hammer with the balance having faded to a mottled silver-gray. The very fine original grip shows moderate handling wear; the Ordnance inspection marks, date and Signal Corps markings are completely legible. All of the Colt and Ordnance makings are sharp. The action is crisp and functions perfectly. This is a very fine example of a 1891 production Colt U.S. contract Single Action, Cavalry Model revolver with rarely encountered New York Militia Signal Corps markings.