This is a highly desirable example of a Colt U.S. Contract Cavalry Model Single Action revolver with nickel-plated finish that was manufactured in 1874. The revolver is accompanied by a Letter of Authentication by Colt Single Action expert John A. Kopec, states that the serial number of this revolver, "12370" falls within the 12,000-14,000 serial number range in which most nickel-plated U.S. contract Single Action revolvers are located. The letter further states that this revolver was probably one of the 2,307 Cavalry revolvers issued to the State of Virginia in 1874 that were subsequently resold to arms dealer Herman Boker by Virginia and repurchased by Colt. Kopec notes that the Virginia revolvers were probably nickel-plated by the Adams Nickel Plating Co., which did Colt's nickel plating and then resold through several retail outlets. Kopec's letter states that the original military blue finish is visible under the ejector housing, a faint O.W. Ainsworth Ordnance inspection stamp is visible on the left grip panel and that the revolver retains the old-style Model 1860 Army mainspring. The revolver has a full nickel-plated finish with one-piece walnut grip. The ejector rod has a "Bullseye" head, the ejector housing has the early barrel boss, the cylinder has the small bolt stops and guides and the hammer has elongated bordered knurling on the spur. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the early script address "+COLT'S F. A. PT. MFG. Co. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.+" with slanted crosses at either end. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with Colt's two date/two line patent marking followed by the "U.S." property mark. The assembly number, "747" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. Small "P" proof marks are stamped on the underside of the barrel and the side of the cylinder. The small "A" sub-inspection mark of Ordnance Sub-Inspector Orville W. Ainsworth is stamped on the underside of the barrel ahead of the proof mark, on the trigger guard below the serial number, on the back strap behind the hammer and on the side of the cylinder. A Colt "C" inspection mark is stamped in the hammer slot and on the rear face of the cylinder. The full serial number, "12370", is stamped on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number, "2370" is stamped on the cylinder and barrel. All of the visible serial numbers match.

Extremely fine. The revolver retains 90% of the nickel-plated finish. There is light-moderate finish wear and flaking on the barrel beneath the ejector housing, on the trigger guard ahead of the bow, on the cylinder edges and flutes and on the contact point of the back strap. All of the markings are crisp. The grip is fine. Mechanically excellent. The Kopec letter describes this revolver as an "outstanding nickel plated Cavalry revolver" in "outstanding original condition" and states that the revolver is "totally correct in all respects". This is an excellent example of a scarce Ainsworth-inspected, U.S. contract Cavalry Model Single Action with nickel-plated finish.