Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector Henry Nettleton (HN) and Ordnance Inspector Captain John E. Greer (JEG) in 1878. The revolver has the Colt military blue finish on the barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The frame, loading gate and hammer are color casehardened. The trigger and screw heads have a fire blue finish and the one-piece walnut grip is oil finished. The ejector rod has the early "bullseye" head and the cavalry style hammer has elongated, bordered, knurling on the spur. The revolver has the distinctive Nettleton "HN" sub-inspection marks stamped on: (1) the underside of the barrel, (2) bottom of the frame, (3) bottom of the trigger guard, (4) side of the cylinder, (5) right grip heel and (6) left side of the hammer. The "HN" sub-inspection mark on the hammer is unique to revolvers in this serial number range. "P" proofmarks are stamped on the underside of the barrel ahead on the "HN" mark and on the side of the cylinder. The "U.S." property mark is stamped on the left side of the frame. The left side of the grip is stamped with the date, "1878" above the final inspection mark which consists of the script initials "JEG" in an oval. The lower right side of the grip is stamped with the script initials "HN" in an oval. The full serial number, "49231" is stamped on the underside of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number, "9231", is stamped on the underside of the barrel beneath the ejector housing and on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The assembly number, "903" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the Third Style, 'Bold Block Letter', address "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.". The address correctly lacks a hyphen at either end and has a double line under the "o" in "Co". The Colt "Three-date/Three-Line" patent markings are stamped on the left side of the frame. Colt "0" and "P" sub-inspection marks are stamped on the rear face of the cylinder and "S" is stamped in the hammer well.

Extremely fine, near mint. The revolver is all original and retains 85% of the original Colt military blue finish. The barrel has visible feathered polishing marks on either side of the front sight blade and above the ejector housing stud. Most of the blue finish is present on the barrel with some holster wear at the muzzle and thinning on the left side and side of the ejector housing. Most of the military blue is present on the cylinder with minor high point wear. The trigger guard and back strap have most of the blue finish with thinning finish on contact points. The frame, loading gate and hammer retain 70% of the original case colors with a silver-gray patina on the top strap and loading gate. The trigger and screw heads have at least 80% of the nitre blue finish. The screws are free from screw driver battering. The grip is in very good condition with only minor handling wear; the date and "JEG" inspection mark on the left side are very sharp and the "HN" sub-inspection mark on the right side is clear. Mechanically excellent. This is an exceptionally fine example of a very desirable Henry Nettleton inspected, Cavalry Model, U.S. Colt Single Action revolver.