Following a hands-on inspection, Colt specialist Michale Carrick of "The Gun Report" (copy of letter included) concluded that this is a Fluck Model, Second U.S. Contract revolver. Mr. Carrick states that this revolver was made in a special batch for a U.S. contract dated November 2, 1847, for 1,000 revolvers. Colt assigned the approximate serial number range of 2,000 to about 3,000. The serial number range for the roughly 125 revolvers of the Second U.S. contract known to museums and collectors is from 2016 to 3012. This revolver, according to Carrick, is one of the earliest known examples. Mr. Carrick's opinion is based on the following personal observations: 1) Overall configuration and serial number match the specifications for U.S. Second Contract revolvers. 2) The words "COLT'S / PATENT / U.S." are centered on the left side of the frame as is found on the lower-serial numbered guns on this contract. 3) The serial number stamps are of a very small size as contrasted to those used later by Colt. The placing of the numbers, two on the left and two on the right side of the forward trigger guard screw is consistent with revolvers with serial numbers below the mid-2800 range. 4) The factory address on the barrel reads from the breech towards the muzzle and is hand stamped with individual letter stamps. 5) Finally, the major components of the revolver are stamped with the letter "P" representing the last name of U.S. Government Sub-inspector Nahum W. Patch. He is listed in Government records as an Army sub-inspector for the years 1831 until 1849. Mr. Carrick also lists 111 years of provenance starting with its discovery in 1895 in an abandoned cabin in Lakeview, Oregon. It should be noted that at the time of inspection this revolver was cased with accessories that are absent. The revolver is marked with a "P" on the left side of the barrel and hammer and partial "P" on the cylinder next the serial number. The matching serial number appears on the barrel, frame, and back strap. The number Carrick refers to on the trigger guard is amid numerous grid marks or deep file marks, The "0" is visible on the left and "7" on the right. The numbers in contrast to the marks are very clear and appear to have been stamped sometime later. The bottom of the barrel is stamped with a small "3" just ahead of the lug.

Good with a mottled grayish/brown patina, some overall scattered minor pin prick pitting, and some heavier pitting that has been cleaned. Some screws are replacements. The muzzle has some heavy wear on the left side. The cylinder has been cleaned erasing the scene. The back strap has an aged patina, and the balance of the brass appears to have been cleaned at some time and is beginning to age again. The loading lever is missing the number and has been filed on top. There is a small hairline crack in the eye of the rammer. The undersized grips have been sanded and varnished many years ago and have a few minor chips and dings. Mechanically very good.