U.S. contract Single Action Cavalry Model revolver manufactured by Colt in 1875. This revolver has the scarce "J" Ordnance sub-inspector marks stamped on the underside of the barrel, the ejector rod housing, the trigger guard below the serial number, side of the cylinder and back strap behind the hammer well. Most revolvers in this serial number range are stamped with the "C" inspection mark of Ordnance Sub-Inspector A.P. Casey or the "L" mark of Ordnance Sub-Inspector Samuel B. Lewis. The Ordnance Sub-Inspector who used the "J" mark has not been identified. The revolver has the early production features and markings which include: (1) First Style ejector housing with barrel boss, (2) First Style script barrel address with slanted crosses at either end, (3) Colt two-date/two-line patent markings on the frame and (4) bullseye ejector rod head. Small "P" proofmarks are stamped on the underside of the barrel and the side of the cylinder. The "U.S." property mark is stamped on the left side of the frame behind the patent markings. The full serial number, "17579" is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The partial serial number "7579" is stamped on the underside of the barrel beneath the ejector housing and on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The assembly number "347" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. There are no visible markings on the walnut grip. This revolver is listed by serial number on page 43 of "Cavalry and Artillery Revolvers" by John Kopec and Sterling Fenn as one of the 27 extant Cavalry single actions with "J" sub-inspection marks. Four Cavalry single action revolvers in this serial number range (17403, 17432, 17492, and 17586) were identified by Kopec and Fenn as being issued to the 7th Cavalry between 1876 and 1888.

Very good. The revolver is all original and shows appropriate wear for a weapon that was used in the field. The metal components have a silver-gray patina. Traces of the color casehardened finish are visible on the right side of the frame, and some of the original military blue is present on the barrel beneath the ejector housing. The barrel, frame and cylinder have some scattered patches of age discoloration and surface texture. There are several small dents on the butt and adjacent areas of the grip. These marks are the only significant wear on the revolver. The Colt markings, serial numbers and sub-inspection marks are all sharp. The grip has been lightly sanded and re-oiled which removed the Ordnance final inspection and sub-inspection marks. The action is tight and functions well. This is a solid example of an early production, Indian War, Cavalry Model Single Action Army revolver with scarce "J" sub-inspection marks.