U.S. contract Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver manufactured in 1879 and sub-inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector Henry Nettleton. This revolver is pictured and described on page 160 of "COLT CAVALRY AND ARTILLERY REVOLVERS" by Kopec and Fenn and listed by serial number in the list of identified "H.N." inspected, nickel-plated, revolvers. The revolver has a nickel-plated finish on the barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The hammer is color casehardened and the frame screws are niter blue. The one-piece walnut grip is oil finished. The ejector rod has the early 'bullseye' head and the hammer spur has elongated, bordered, knurling. The distinctive "H.N." inspection marks found on revolvers in the 47,056-50,574 serial number range are present on the: (1) underside of the barrel, (2) bottom of the frame, (3) bottom of the trigger guard, (4) side of the cylinder, (5) left side of the hammer and (6) left grip heel. The left side of the grip is stamped with the date "1878" above an oval containing the script initials "JEG" (Ordnance final inspector Capt. John E. Greer). The sub-inspection mark on the right side of the grip consists of the script initials "HN" in an oval. "P" proof marks are stamped on the underside of the barrel and the side of the cylinder. The full serial number, "50241" is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "0241" is stamped on the underside of the barrel and the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the third style 'Bold Block Letter' address: "COLT'S P.T.F.A.MFG. Co.HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." with two lines under the "o" in "Co". The right side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt 'Three-Date/Three-Line' patent markings followed by the "U.S." property mark. The assembly number, "2049" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. Kopec and Fenn state that nickel-plated U.S. Contract Single Action revolvers were originally issued to the states under the Militia Act and subsequently re-sold to Colt. Colt nickel-plated the revolvers for sale on the commercial market. A few of the revolvers, like this example, retained the military grips and were not stamped with additional markings. Nickel-plated, "Buy-Back" U.S. Contract, Single Action Cavalry revolvers are a rare and very desirable variation of the Colt Single Action Army. Kopec and Fenn attribute this revolver to the Richard R. Atkinson collection. The included Colt factory letter confirms the caliber and barrel length with the finish and type of stocks not listed. The revolver was delivered to the U.S. Government Inspector at the Colt plant on August 24, 1878. It was part of a 200 gun shipment.

Excellent. The revolver retains 90% plus of the factory nickel plated finish (see above). There is some minor flaking at the muzzle; the plated finish is thin on the back strap and grip strap. The edges of the cylinder face and flutes have light finish wear. The hammer retains 75% of the muted case colors. Most of the niter blue finish is present on the frame screws. All of the Colt markings and Ordnance inspection marks remain crisp. The grip is very good with scattered light handling marks and clear date and Ordnance inspection marks. The action is tight and functions perfectly. This is an excellent, well-documented example of a scarce and very desirable H.N. sub-inspected Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver.