U.S. Contract Colt Single Action Army revolver that was manufactured in 1874 and subsequently reissued. The revolver was altered to Artillery configuration by Colt or Springfield Armory and has the usual combination of components with mixed serial numbers. The bottom of the frame is stamped with the very low serial number "390". The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the early Colt "Two-Date/Two-Line" patent marking followed by a small "U.S." property mark. The inside of the loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "528". The barrel has a boss hole for the first style ejector housing and is roll-stamped with the First Style "Script" address. The underside of the barrel is stamped with a small Ainsworth "A" sub-inspection mark and "P" proof mark. The full serial number "10215" is stamped beneath the ejector housing. The trigger housing is serial numbered "43028" and stamped with the "H.N." sub-inspection mark. The back strap is numbered "120/948". The early style cylinder has small bolt stops and guides and is stamped with the "A" sub-inspection mark, "P" proof and the partial serial number "2169". The lower left side of the grip is stamped with the date "1878" above the oval, script "JFG" final inspection mark. A very faint oval, script "HN" sub-inspection mark is stamped on the lower right side of the grip. The sub-inspection mark "H.N." is stamped on the right grip heel. Also included is a factory letter that indicates no information was available.

About good. The revolver has a gray-brown patina with scattered pitting and age discoloration. The front sight blade has been filed and reshaped. The grip has a large chip in the lower right side and a smaller chip in the lower left side; the balance shows moderate handling wear. The action is tight and functions well. The markings on the barrel, frame and cylinder are clear. This is a solid example of a very early Cavalry Single Action Army revolver that was altered to artillery configuration during the Spanish American War and has all early production components.