This is an example of U.S. Contract Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver that was manufactured in 1880. This revolver was one of 800 Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolvers refurbished by Colt in 1895 and subsequently issued to the New York Militia. Both sides of the grip are stamped with the rack number "2" and "6 BATTERY" in smaller letters. The New York Militia Single Action revolvers are described in detail in "COLT CAVALRY AND ARTILLERY REVOLVERS" by John Kopec and Sterling Fenn. A list on page 137 of that book indicates that 80 Colt Single Action revolvers were issued to the Sixth Battery, New York Militia. The revolver frame and trigger guard are stamped with the full serial number "54860" and the barrel is stamped with the partial serial number "4860". The cylinder is stamped with the partial serial number "5408" and the backstrap is serial numbered "132/349". Serial number "132349' is listed on page 85 of "COLT CAVALRY AND ARTILLERY REVOLVERS" as a New York Militia revolver and other New York Militia revolvers are listed in the 54800 serial number range. Kopec states that when the 800 Colt Single Action Cavalry revolvers were refurbished by Colt in 1895, the 7 1/2-inch barrels were retained and all of the revolvers had matching serial numbers. He indicates that New York Militia revolvers with mis-matched serial numbers were "field mixed" (page 135). The revolver has a blue finish on the barrel, ejector housing, trigger guard, backstrap and cylinder. The frame, loading gate and hammer have a color case-hardened finish. The one-piece walnut grip is oil finished. The revolver has the 'bullseye' ejector rod head and cavalry style hammer with elongated, bordered, knurling on the spur. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in late, 'elongated block' lettering. The underside of the barrel is stamped with the partial serial number, a "P" proof mark and the "D.F.C." Ordnance sub-inspection mark. The "D.F.C." sub-inspection mark is stamped on the bottom of the frame above the serial number. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt 'Three-Line/Three-Date' patent marking followed by the "U.S." property mark. The assembly number "2671" is stamped on the loading gate. The cylinder is stamped with the partial serial number "5048", a "D.F.C." sub-inspection mark and a "P" proof mark. The Ordnance sub-inspection mark "R.A.C." is stamped on the left heel of the grip. No date or Ordnance final inspector or sub-inspector initials are visible on the sides of the grip. A Colt "S" inspection mark is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole and a "K" is stamped on the bottom of the backstrap below the serial number.

Very fine. The revolver retains 80% plus of the original blue finish. "Feathered' polishing marks are visible on both sides of the front sight blade and on the right side of the barrel above the ejector housing stud. The cylinder and trigger guard have most of the original blue finish. The only significant finish wear is on the backstrap where the blue finish has thinned to a mottled, gray-brown, patina. The frame, hammer and loading gate retain 90% of the color case-hardened finish with strong case colors. All of the markings are sharp. The bore is bright. The grip has light to moderate handling wear but remains in very good condition with legible New York Militia markings. The action functions but the hammer will not hold at half-cock. The trigger is a later replacement. This is a a very fine example of a well-marked New York Militia Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver.