Manufactured in 1885 and subsequently reissued circa 1895 to the New York militia. This revolver is one of the approximately 5,200 Cavalry Model Single Actions that were inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector David F. Clark ("D.F.C.") and Ordnance Inspector Captain Frank Heath ("F.H.") in 1884 and 1885. It is listed by serial number on page 79 of "Colt Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers" by John Kopec and Sterling Fenn as one of the 126 Single Action Cavalry revolvers inspected by Captain Frank Heath that were issued to the New York militia. The left side of the grip is boldly stamped with the New York militia rack number "A/380" and "66". The top of the barrel is marked with the one line address and the left side of the frame is marked with the three line, three patent dates followed by the Rampant Colt. The complete matching serial number is marked on the barrel under the ejector housing, bottom of the frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. The two additional digits ("11") on the barrel and cylinder serial numbers have a different font as the same numbers "11" on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The additional numbers were apparently added at Colt in 1895-1896 when the revolver was inspected prior to issue to the New York militia (see Kopec and Fenn page 87). The "D.F.C." sub-inspection is present on the underside of the barrel, the bottom of the frame, the side of the cylinder and on the right heel of the grip. A small "P" proofmark is stamped on the underside of the barrel and on the side of the cylinder. A "G" is stamped below the serial number on the trigger guard. Colt "C" and "G" sub-inspection marks are stamped below the ejector housing stud. A Colt "S" and "3" inspection marks are stamped on the rear face of the cylinder and a small "S" is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole. The revolver has the Colt high polish blue finish with a casehardened frame and hammer. The trigger and screws are niter blue. Bullseye ejector housing, cavalry style hammer with elongated bordered knurling on the spur and fitted with an oil finished one-piece walnut grip with the aforementioned New York militia marking on the left side and "DFC" cartouche on the right. The left side of the grip is also stamped with the date "1885" above the final inspection mark which consists of the script initials "FH" surrounded by an oval. The "66" is stamped over both markings. The accompanying factory letter confirms the serial number, caliber, and blue finish with the barrel length and type of stocks not listed. The remarks state that with regard to the barrel length and grips are "usually an indication of a 7 1/2 inch barrel length and walnut stocks". The revolver was part of a 100 gun shipment to the U.S. Government Inspector located at the Colt plant on January 28, 1885. The factory records also indicate that this revolver was returned to the factory for refurbishing, which consisted of replacement of worn parts, exterior refinishing and reassembly. The revolver was again delivered to the U.S. Government Inspector at the Colt plant on October 4, 1895.

Excellent. The revolver retains 90% plus of the Colt blue and casehardened finish. The barrel and ejector housing have some minor finish wear on the high points. The cylinder has some scattered finish wear and some flaking on one chamber and retains 85% of the blue finish. The front grip strap shows finish wear but the balance of the trigger guard and the back strap have almost all of the blue finish remaining. The frame and hammer retain 95% plus of the casehardened finish with vivid case colors. The screws have 60% of the niter blue finish and show minimal screwdriver wear. All of the markings are clear. The grip is very good with several light handling marks and pressure dents. The original final inspection mark and date on the left side of the grip are crisp and legible. The "DFC" sub-inspection mark on the right side of the grip is crisp. The action is tight and functions perfectly. This is an exceptional example of a "DFC" inspected/New York militia issue Colt Single Action Army Cavalry Model revolver.