These variations of U.S. Cavalry Colts are referred to as the 1875 Models and are among the most interesting and least known of the U.S. Cavalry revolvers. They do, however begin with the completion of the first 260 revolvers in the Inspection Report dated December 21, 1874, however for the sake of clarity, it is easier to refer to the group as the "1875 Model". There were three U.S. Ordnance Principle Sub-Inspectors who inspected these revolvers at the Colt factory. Two of the inspectors were A.P. Casey and Samuel B. Lewis. The third sub inspector used a "J" and according to Kopec in "A Study Of The Colt Single Action Army Revolver" has not been identified. Each inspector used a single letter inspection mark, Casey "C", Lewis "L" and the unidentified "J", thus adding to the history of the U.S. Single Action Army with the scarce "single initial" ordnance inspected revolvers. The 1875 Model serial number range ran from 15,117 to 19,565. Casey was prominent in the 16,000 to 18,000 range as well as the "J" inspected revolvers and dominated the 18,000 to 19,500 range. This revolver was manufactured in 1875 and is one of the revolvers inspected by Casey and bears his small "C" sub-inspector mark. The 1875 Models were, of course part of the first run of military contract revolvers. The top of the barrel is marked with the early script one line marking, "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A." flanked by crosses, with broken lines on the "o" in Co and "A" in Hartford, the left side of the frame is marked with the two line, two patent date marking followed by "U.S." and the complete serial number "18925" is marked on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial number "8925" appears on the bottom of the barrel under the ejector rod housing and on the cylinder. There is also a small "P" and "C" on the barrel just ahead of the cylinder pin and on the cylinder, a small "C" under the serial number on the trigger guard and on the top of the back strap. The revolver features the improved cylinder with the larger sized stops and guides, the well beveled area between the flutes on the front surface area and the beveled front edge of the ejector tube. The revolver is equipped with the standard steel blade front and notch rear sights, has the correct "bull's eye" or donut style ejector rod head with the hole in the center and is fitted with smooth one-piece walnut grip with a faint boxed cartouche on the lower left side.

Fine. The revolver retains 25% bright original blue finish concentrated on the top edge of the ejector housing, in the cylinder flutes and around the protected areas of the trigger guard bow. The frame and remaining metal surfaces have strong case color pattern mixed with a smooth mottled gray patina. The grip is very good with a lightly visible cartouche, wear on the lower edges, a few minor dings and dents, and a pleasant hand rubbed patina. The markings are clear. The action is excellent. An exceptional, original Custer era U.S. Cavalry Colt SAA!