This is an example of a nickel-plated Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver manufactured in December 1874 and inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector Samuel B. Lewis. The revolver is accompanied by a evaluation letter by Colt expert and author John A. Kopec. The letter states that while there are no specific references to this revolver, it is one of several nickel-plated revolvers identified by Kopec in the #15360 - #16352 serial number range including #16294. The Kopec letter states that the nickel plated finish appears to be original and that the revolver was probably a surplus militia buy-back resold to Colt's and nickel-plated by Herman Boker & Son to remove potential claims that the revolvers were U.S. Government property. The revolver has a full nickel-plated finish with oil-finished walnut grip. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with early script address "+ COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD. CT. U.SA.+" with slanted crosses at either end. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt two line/two date patent markings followed by the "U.S." property mark. The assembly number "24" is stamped inside the loading gate. "P" proofmarks are stamped on the side of the cylinder and the underside of the barrel. The small "L" sub-inspection mark of Ordnance Inspector Samuel B. Lewis is stamped on the underside of the barrel ahead of the proofmark, on the side of the cylinder and on the bottom of the trigger guard. The full serial number, "16293", is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number, "6293", is stamped on the barrel beneath the ejector housing and on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. Colt "C" and "L" inspection marks are stamped on the rear face of the cylinder and a "C" is stamped in the hammer well. The revolver has the first style ejector housing with barrel boss bullseye ejector roof head early cylinder with small stops and guides. Cavalry style hammer with elongated bordered checkering on the spur.

Very good as period modified. The revolver retains 50% of the nickel-plated finish with flaking on the barrel, left side of the frame, cylinder and ejector housing. Most of the nickel plating is present in the cylinder flutes. There are several spots of heavy pitting on the left side of the barrel. The front sight blade has been filed down and the left side is pitted. The Kopec letter notes that the barrel has been shortened 1/4-inch, the ejector rod head is a replacement, the frame screws have been polished bright, the back strap lug and trigger have been buffed and polished bright. The grip is an undersized replacement and is poor. This is a solid example of a scarce Samuel B. Lewis inspected Colt buy-back Single Action Cavalry Model revolver.