This is basically an unused Colt U.S. contract Single Action Cavalry Model Revolver manufactured in 1880. This is an early production (1880) David F. Clark (D.F.C.) inspected revolver with the small, early inspection stamp script initials "D.F.C." in a rectangle on the lower right side of the grip. The lower left side of the grip is dated "1880" and stamped with the script initials of Ordnance Inspector Lt. David A. Lyle in an oval below the date. The underside of the barrel is stamped "45 COLT NOT NITRO CIP/PN LP/16" just in front of the "D.F.C." inspection mark ahead of the base pin. "D.F.C." is also on the underside of the frame in front of the trigger guard, on the cylinder and on right grip heel. A small "P" proofmark is stamped on the underside of the barrel ahead of the inspection stamp and perpendicular to the bore. A second "P" proof is stamped on the side of the cylinder. The full serial number is located on the frame ahead of the trigger guard, on the trigger guard and on the bottom of the grip strap. The partial serial number "5616" is stamped on the side of the cylinder and on the barrel beneath the ejector housing. All of the serial numbers match. The top of the barrel has the "Style III" Colt Hartford address with bold block letters and the characteristic broken "T" in "PT." and double lines under the "o" in "Co". The underside of the barrel has a "C" and "G" stamped below the barrel stud perpendicular to the bore. The left side of the frame is stamped with the "three date, three line" patent markings followed by "U.S." The period after the "U" is rectangular and the period after the "S" is square. The "U.S." was stamped on the frame after the frame was finished and the metal is raised around the edge of the markings. The revolver has the second style ejector housing with "bull's-eye" ejector rod head. The rear face of the cylinder is stamped with small "B" and "L" sub-inspection marks. The loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "2924". The hammer spur has the deep, elongated cross hatching typical of U.S. contract hammers. The revolver barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap have the subdued Colt military blue finish. The factory polishing marks are present on either side of the front sight blade, on both sides of the ejector housing stud and on the sides of the trigger guard. The frame, loading gate and hammer have a color casehardened finish. The top and left side of the frame have especially vivid casehardening colors. The cylinder pin, screws and trigger have a fiery blue. The one piece grip is oil finished walnut. The revolver comes with a copy of a letter from Colt Single Action expert John A. Kopec which provides a detailed analysis of the revolver. The Kopec letter describes the revolver as "new unfired condition." The letter notes the markings remain as new and that the 1878 style address on the barrel indicates that the barrel was probably manufactured in 1878 but remained "on the bottom of the barrel" until the revolver was assembled in 1880. The letter states this revolver is in the upper 1/2% of available U.S. Cavalry revolvers and that "Its near perfect condition is seldom encountered on the Colt Single Action market today". The difference now is that this revolver went to England and was proofed. The included factory letter states that the revolver was part of a 150 gun delivery to the U.S. government inspector at the Colt plant on April 21, 1880.

Exceptionally fine. As noted in the Kopec letter, the revolver appears to be unfired and shows only minor storage and handling wear. The barrel and ejector rod housing retains 85% plus of the original blue finish with some scattered and very light age discoloration. The bottom of the barrel is English marked "45 COLT NOT NITRO". There is some very minor finish loss and traces of pitting on the left side of the barrel near the muzzle. The bluing on the lower right side of the ejector housing has minor handling wear and is thinning with some brownish age patina with 80% blue remaining. The cylinder, trigger guard, and back strap have 97% of the original blue finish and show only edge wear on contact points. The case colors on the frame, hammer and loading are vivid. The colors on the top and left side of the frame are as bright as new. The lower right side of the frame and upper edge of the trigger guard have some finish loss from storage; the casehardening color has faded to a dove gray with some traces of pitting. All marking are extremely sharp and the metal around the "U.S." on the left side of the frame is bright. The oil finished walnut grip is in excellent condition. The wood has the correct raised 'feathered' grain. The inspection marks and date are in nearly perfect condition with sharp edges. This is an exceptional Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver with a desirable 1880 Indian War dated barrel. This is one of the finer Cavalry Model Colt Single Action Revolvers offered by the Rock Island Auction Company.