This historic Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver was manufactured in 1874 and inspected by Ordnance Department Sub-Inspector Orville W. Ainsworth. This first year production Single Action Army revolver has the distinctive early features that include: a cylinder with small bolt stops and guides, script barrel address and two-date/two-line patent marking. The cavalry hammer has elongated bordered knurling on the spur. The "U.S." property mark is stamped on the left side of the frame to the right of the patent markings. Small "A" Ainsworth sub-inspection marks are visible on the trigger guard and back strap. The serial number "10282" is visible on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, back strap and partially visible on the cylinder. Four 1/4 inch notches are neatly filed on the right side of the barrel midway between the ejector housing and the muzzle. The serial number falls between Colt Single Action Cavalry revolvers No. 10215 and No. 10262 which were issued to the 100th Meridian Survey Expedition on July 17, 1878. The 100th Meridian Survey Expedition established the western border between the Cherokee Nation in what is now Oklahoma and the state of Texas. Traces of black paint remain on the revolver which was likely applied many years ago. The Rock Island Arsenal Museum has several documented Custer battlefield firearms that were painted black when painting the metal surfaces of firearms was erroneously considered a method of preservation. Included with the revolver is a handmade black cowhide holster with half-flap that appears to date from the 19th Century.

Fair. The revolver is in near relic condition and appears to have most of the original components coated partially in black paint (see above). The bullseye ejector rod head is broken and the cylinder rod pin and screw are battered. The revolver has been partially cleaned and has a mottled patina with patches of dark age discoloration and moderate to heavy pitting overall. The "P" proofmarks and "A" sub-inspection marks on the barrel and cylinder are illegible. The assembly number on the inside of the loading gate is obscured by pitting. The barrel and frame markings are faint but legible. The one-piece walnut grip shows heavy wear and is in fair condition; no trace of the Ordnance final inspection or sub-inspection marks remain on the grip. The action remains fully functional. This is an untouched example of a first year production, government contract, Single Action Cavalry Model revolver that saw hard use. The majority of the Ainsworth inspected Single Action Army revolvers were issued to the ten U.S. Cavalry regiments on the frontier and saw extensive service. Most of these revolvers were subsequently altered to artillery configuration between 1895 and 1903. The barrel notches seem to indicate this revolver also saw civilian use. The holster is fair. This is an interesting, untouched example of a scare and desirable Ainsworth sub-inspected, government contract Single Action Cavalry Model revolver.