This is an example of a Colt Model 1873 Cavalry revolver that was manufactured in 1890 that was originally inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector Rienaldo A. Carr and subsequently refurbished by Colt into an artillery model. The revolver has a military blue barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap, casehardened frame, hammer and loading gate and oil-finished walnut grips. The ejector rod has the oval head adopted in 1885. In 1895, a number of U.S. Colt Cavalry Single Action Army Revolvers, such as this one, were returned to either the Colt factory or Springfield Armory where they were converted/refurbished into Artillery Models with the 5 1/2 inch barrel. This refurbishment usually resulted in a mixing of the various serial numbered parts. The barrel has the elongated block address of: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.". The left side of the frame is stamped with the Colt three-line/three-patent dates followed by "U.S.". The underside front edge of the frame is stamped with "R.A.C./131921", while the trigger guard, and back strap are both stamped with "119560". The side of the cylinder is stamped with "137124/85". The underside of the barrel and cylinder are stamped with a single "P" firing proofmark. The underside of the barrel is stamped with serial number "1297" and the sub-inspector initials of "D.F.C." for David F. Clark. The loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "648". A Colt "O" inspection mark is stamped in the hammer well. It is fitted with a set of one-piece walnut grips that are both marked with the small "R.A.C." on the underside bevel of each side.

Fine with a dark gray patina finish over most of the metal surface with 25% blue which is contained mostly in the protected areas and the underside of the barrel hidden by the ejector housing. The frame and loading gate have also turned a gray patina finish with case colors lightly visible in the forward frame. The grips are in good condition with a tight fit against the back strap and trigger guard with wear along the lower edges of both sides with some chips on the front and rear corners on both sides. The markings are clear and distinct, an honest issue U.S. Artillery issue Colt Model 1873 revolver.