This revolver was originally manufactured in 1885 as part of a U.S. contract and subsequently refurbished to Artillery configuration by Colt and has matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, and grip. (This is a very desirable feature.) The cylinder has "11" added above the original partial serial number. These markings are indicative of Artillery revolvers modified by Colt in 1895-96. The barrel is only marked with "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." on top. The left side of the revolver frame is stamped with the three-line patent markings followed by "U.S." The Captain David F. Clark sub-inspection marks are stamped on the frame above the serial number and on the side of the cylinder. The left side of the grip is stamped with the date "1885" above the "FH" final inspection mark. The Rinaldo A. Carr sub-inspection mark is stamped the butt of the grip on the right. The assembly number, "559," is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. It is accompanied by a correct Rock Island Arsenal Second Pattern Model 1881 Holster for an Artillery revolver with "US" embossed in an oval on the body and the sub-inspector initials "SHJ" stamped on the end of the flap. The initials "CR" and the troop marking "K" are neatly carved in the holster flap above the "ROCK ISLAND/ARSENAL" markings. The inside of the flap is lightly marked: "ROCKLAND/COLTON REED" and with the sub-inspector mark "SHJ". Colton Reed of San Antonio, Texas, was a trooper in Company K of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry (the "Rough Riders"). They played a significant part at the battles of Las Guasimas and San Juan Heights under the command of former Assistant Secretary of the Navy and future President Theodore Roosevelt. Single Action Artillery revolvers in this serial number range are documented as having been issued to the Rough Riders and carried in Cuba. Records for only a fraction of the Rough Rider revolvers are known, and the unit had 1,060 men when they arrived in Cuba. This example is pictured and discussed on pages 158-161 of "Warman's Collectible Firearms Field Guide" by James Card and is in the correct serial number range. In 1909, Captain Reed established a Rough Riders Camp in New York City as part of the larger Spanish-American War Seventh Annual Encampment. He was also the secretary and treasurer of the National Rough Riders Association,

Very fine as factory refurbished with some cold blue touch ups. The balance of revolver retains 80% of the high polish blue finish and vivid case colors with some loss and light pitting. Almost all of the fire blue finish is present on the frame screws. The action is tight and functions fine. The re-oiled grips are fine with barely legible date and final inspection mark, no visible sub-inspection stamp, and minimal handling marks. The scarce Artillery Model holster is very good overall and has generally smooth surfaces on the body, crisp "U.S." marking, tight stitching, some cracking and flaking on the flap, sharp carved markings, faint Rock Island Arsenal and sub-inspector markings, and faded markings on the inside of the flap. This is a very fine Colt converted Artillery Model with scarce Model 1881 Artillery Revolver Holster marked as owned by Rough Rider Colton Reed.