Manufactured in 1874 and subsequently rebuilt as an artillery in 1903. The serial number of this revolver, "5220," falls within the range (4500-5504) of Single Action revolvers issued to the 7th Cavalry in 1874 and carried by troopers of that regiment in the Battle of Little Big Horn on June 26-27, 1876 (see Kopec and Fenn's CAVALRY & ARTILLERY REVOLVERS, page 249). Little Big Horn documented or positively associated Colt Single Action revolvers in this serial number range are 5100, 5128 and 5147. A total of 2,906 Colt revolvers were supplied by Rock Island to the Second, Seventh and Third Cavalries during 1874. The Seventh received an estimated 600 revolvers in the 4500-5504 serial number range. This revolver, like most Colt Single Action revolvers issued to the U.S. cavalry, was modified to Artillery configuration after 1893 and refurbished by Colt in 1903. A Colt factory letter that accompanies the revolver states that it was one of 50 revolvers shipped from Colt to the Springfield Armory on February 24, 1903. The revolver frame is serial numbered "5220". Like most Artillery Model Single Action revolvers the components have mixed serial numbers. This revolver also has an early O.W. Ainsworth inspected barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The barrel is serial numbered "6009" and the underside is stamped with the small "A" sub-inspection mark and "P" proofmark. The top of the barrel has the early script address: "+COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.+" with slanted crosses at either end. The frame has the early Colt two-line, two patent marking and small "U.S." property mark. The trigger guard is serial numbered "4014" and stamped with a small "A" behind the serial number. The back strap is serial number "5447" and has a small "A" stamped behind the hammer cut-out. The cylinder has the early small stops and is stamped with a "P" proofmark, the serial number "4706" and a small "A" sub-inspection mark. The loading gate is stamped with the assembly number, "983". The left grip heel is stamped with a small "R.A.C." sub-inspection mark. The lower left side of the grip is stamped with the date "1903" or "1902" above "OCH". The lower right side of the grip is stamped with the sub-inspectors initials "RAC". The revolver has a blue finish on the barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The frame, loading gate and hammer have a color casehardened finish.

Very fine as Colt refurbished (documented by factory letter). The barrel, ejector housing and trigger guard have 75% blue with thinning on contact points. The cylinder and back strap have about 75% of the original blue finish. The frame has 50% of the casehardened finish with silvering on contact points and strong case colors in protected areas. The hammer has 90% of the case colors. All of the markings are sharp and clear. The grip is in very good condition with moderate-heavy handling wear. There is some age shrinkage on the bottom of the grip and the Ordnance inspection marks are faint and nearly illegible. The action is tight and functions perfectly. It is very unusual to find a Artillery Model Single Action revolver with all early Ainsworth components. This is a historic revolver has strong association with the Indian Wars, the 7th Cavalry, and carried at the Battle of Little Bighorn.