U.S. contract Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver manufactured in 1874, and inspected by Orville W. Ainsworth. The barrel, trigger guard, cylinder and back strap are stamped with the tiny "A" sub-inspection mark utilized by Ainsworth. A small "P" proofmark is stamped on the underside of the barrel and on the side of the cylinder. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the early style script address: "+ COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.+" with slanted crosses at either end. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt two-date/two-line patent marking followed by a small "U.S." property mark. The full serial number, "7358", is stamped on the underside of the barrel beneath the ejector housing, bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. All of the visible serial numbers match. The inside of the loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "577". The revolver has the early style ejector housing with barrel boss pin, bullseye ejector rod head, cavalry style hammer with elongated knurling on the spur and one-piece walnut grip. The right side of the grip is carved with a steer head motif with bass pin eyes. The grip carving post-dates the service use of the revolver. Most of the first and second year production, Ainsworth sub-inspected. U.S. contract single action revolvers were issued to the cavalry regiments serving on the frontier. The serial number of this revolver, "7358", falls within the serial number range (No. 7207-7733) of a group of revolvers identified as issued to Troop C, 5th Cavalry regiment in 1886. Most of the early single action revolvers issued to the cavalry were subsequently altered to Artillery configuration. Examples with matching serial numbers in un-altered configuration are scarce in any condition.

Very good. The revolver has a crisp silver-gray patina overall with scattered patches of age discoloration and some light pitting. 20% of the original casehardened finish is visible in protected areas on the right side of the frame under the loading gate and on the sides of the hammer. The grip has been heavily sanded and shows no trace of Ordnance inspection markings. All of the markings, serial numbers and Ordnance proof and sub-inspection marks remain sharp and clear. The action is tight and functions fine. This is a solid, representative example of a 1874 production, cavalry issue, Ainsworth sub-inspected Colt Single Action Army revolver that is scarce and desirable.