Manufactured in 1877, this revolver was inspected by John T. Cleveland (inspection era 1876-1877) and according to Kopec's "A Study Of The Colt Single Action Army Revolver" on page 249 it states that during the Cleveland inspection era only two nickeled U.S. revolvers were found, serial number 34,189 and this revolver 35,556. These nickel plated revolvers were issued to Indian scouts and police, special order officer's revolver, surplus revolvers sold back to Colt and nickel plated. Kopec believes the two inspected by Cleveland were special order officer's revolvers. This specific Cavalry Model Revolver is discussed in detail in Kopec's "A Story Of The Colt Single Action Army Revolver". It states the following on page 222, "Only one revolver is listed in our survey from this group as being nickel plated. This is serial no. 35,556 which has ivory grips and was turned over to the Ordnance Inspector at the Colt factory on February 13, 1877.". The top of the barrel is marked with the one line address and the underside is marked "J.T.C." and "P" directly ahead of the cylinder pin. The left side of the frame is marked with the three line patent dates followed "U.S." The loading gate is marked with the assembly number "2228". The cylinder is marked with the letter "P" and "J.T.C." "J.T.C." is also marked on the bottom of the frame over the serial number. The full matching serial number is marked on the frame, trigger guard and back strap with the partial number "5556" on the cylinder. "Bulls-eye" ejector rod head, blade front and frame notch rear sights, and fitted with a smooth one-piece ivory grip. The accompanying factory letter verifies the caliber with barrel length, finish and grips as "Not Listed" and that it was delivered as 1 of 203 to the U.S. Government Inspector at the Colt factory on February 13, 1877.

Very fine. The revolver retains 90% period nickel plating with some edge wear and scattered minor flaking. There is a couple areas of minor pitting on the recoil shield. The finish on the grip straps is beginning to frost. The grips have shrunk but remain good with three small shallow holes on the upper left side, some minor age cracks and a pleasant patina. The action functions fine but is a bit tight. The markings are crisp and clear.