The included Colt Industries letter indicates this revolver was part of a three hundred gun shipment delivered to the government inspector at Colt's factory on February 5, 1887. The barrel length and grips are not listed, but the caliber is listed as "45/c" and the finish is listed as "Blue." The lack of barrel length and grips indicates it would have had the standard 7 1/2 inch barrel and walnut grips used at the time. The records also confirm that the revolver was returned to the factory to have worn parts replaced and then re-shipped to the commanding officer at the Springfield Armory on April 17, 1903. The Springfield Research Service letter indicates the revolver was used by the U.S. Post Office from 1888 to 1890 to protect against strikers and train robbers. Only 15 of the 229 U.S. Post Office revolvers are known to survive in collections as discussed on page 209 of “Colt Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers” by Fenn and Kopec. This example is also in the listed by serial number as a Post Office gun in "Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Vol. 1" by Cochran on page 314 and in Conchran's "Colt Peacemaker Collector Handbook & Guide" on page 91. It is also listed by serial number in the Post Office document copies included with the revolver. The revolver has since been beautifully custom engraved and fitted with synthetic grips. Floral scrollwork with punch dot backgrounds cover the sides of the barrel and nearly all of the remaining surfaces. There are also some bloom designs. No markings are visible on the top of the barrel and the left side has "45 COLT." The frame has the three line patent marking followed by "U.S" The U.S. marking is in an engraved banner and has the engraver's mark, a small conjoined "JR," just above. Aspects of the engraving patterns closely match the John R. Rohner engraved single action on page 51 of "Gun Engraving Review" by E. C. Prudhomme. Note especially the virtually identical patterns on the cylinder. Rohner is the inventor of the famous Gravemeister pneumatic engraving machine that revolutionized modern American engraving.

Very good as custom engraved, rebarreled, and refinished. The revolver retains 98% plus of the deep custom blue finish and displays an even French gray on the frame and hammer. There is some slight spots of wear near the muzzle, minor handling and storage marks and some old imperfections that have been finished over. The slightly oversized plastic grips are very good an have only minor handling and storage marks. The engraving patterns are exceptionally crisp and most of the markings are legible. The action functions fine. This is a beautifully engraved Colt once used by the U.S. Postal Service to defend mail cars from outlaws in the Old West.