Manufactured in 1902, the trigger guard is marked "USID" (United States Interior Department) on both sides. The Department was responsible for overseeing and managing the Indian tribes and their reservations. These same type markings have been noted on US marked M1873 calvary revolvers, sparking the theory they were issued to Indian scouts and/or tribal police on the reservations. It has the standard barrel markings with two line Hartford address on top and "COLT. D.A. 38" on the left. The left side of the frame has the standard three line patent dates followed by a circled Rampant Colt. Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard and back strap, with no number on the cylinder. The loading gate is stamped with assembly number "110". It is accompanied by a survey sheet from noted collector and researcher Bruce Skinner.

Very good with 20% of the blue finish remaining mostly in the protected areas with the balance having a gray/brown patina. The hard rubber grips are also in very good condition with distinct Colt markings and checkering showing minor wear on the lower edges. The markings are clear, and the "USID" stampings on each side of the trigger guard are deep and certainly have been on the revolver for a long time. The overall condition of this revolver indicates this could be an actual "USID/Interior Dept" or Indian affairs/Tribal Police revolver and is worth doing more research on.