This revolver has the mixed serial numbers associated with the Artillery Model alterations completed between 1895 and 1903. Many of these revolvers saw use in the Spanish-American War and the Philippines. The frame dates to 1891 and several of the other components are older. One of the letters in the research file indicates it shipped on April 29, 1891, in a 250 gun shipment to Springfield Armory. The barrel has David F. Clark's "DFC" inspection mark, and the frame has Rinaldo A. Carr's "RAC" mark above the serial number. There are also some small inspection marks throughout. The barrel has traces of the original barrel address and the frame has the two line patent information followed by an angled "U.S" stamp. It has a small blade front sight, standard frame groove rear sight, bordered knurling on the hammer, and original "bulls-eye" ejector head. Included with the revolver is a framed photograph of Lt. Edward D. Powers in his U.S. Volunteer Cavalry uniform. A binder with research from various sources including the Harvard University Archives and a notarized letter from Colonel Edward Dennis Powers' daughter indicates the revolver was carried and used by Powers during the Philippine Insurrection from 1899 to 1901 and again from 1906-1910. Powers apparently slept with the revolver under his pillow and always carried it with him in fear of attack by the Moro warriors. Powers, a graduate of Harvard in 1898, served in the 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery in 1898 as a corporal and then as a 2nd lieutenant in the 46th U.S. Volunteer Infantry in 1899 and U.S. Army Artillery starting in 1901. He was further promoted to a 1st lieutenant in 1903, captain in 1907, and quarter master in 1912. During WWI, he was serving as a captain in the Coast Artillery Corps in Boston and received temporary promotions, was demoted at the end of the war, then officially promoted to major and then lieutenant colonel, and retired around 1936.

Good as arsenal refurbished and subsequently cold blued. The barrel has traces of an old refinished blue and a faint address. The back strap also has some strong blue finish near the top. The remaining surfaces primarily display gray patina with some light spotting and minor pitting. The grip is very good and has mild handling and storage wear. An included receipt indicates the trigger guard screw and a spring were replaced. The action functions fine. It is rare to find a Colt Artillery Model that is actually identified as having been used by an artillery officer.