The Colt factory letter that accompanies this revolver states that it was originally shipped to the United States Government Inspector at the Colt Plant on October 24, 1881. The revolver originally had a blued barrel, cylinder, and trigger guard and casehardened frame and hammer. Grips are oil-finished walnut. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line elongated block address: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." The underside of the barrel has the partial serial number "3913" stamped underneath the ejector housing and a "P" proofmark followed by the sub inspector's initials ahead of the frame. A small "G" and a "C" are stamped on the underside of the barrel just below the ejector housing stud. The forward edge of the frame is stamped with the initials "D.F.C." above the full serial number "73913". "73913/G" is stamped on the trigger guard, and the bottom of the back strap is stamped with the full serial number. "3913", "D.F.C." and "P" are stamped on the side of the cylinder and "1" and "B" are stamped on the rear face. All of the visible serial numbers match. Small initials "D.F.C." are stamped on the right grip heel. Three illegible script initials (CCM?) are stamped in an oval on the lower left side of the grip a rectangle with illegible script initials ("DFC"?).

Very good. The revolver has been lightly cleaned (many years ago) and has subsequently aged back to an even dove-gray patina. Metal surfaces are generally smooth. However, there are a number of small dents in the underside of the barrel parallel to the ejector housing. There are traces of light pitting in the cylinder flutes and on the sides of the hammer and recoil shields. Markings are sharp and clear. The grips are in very good overall condition. The inspector's markings on the grips are faint but visible. The action is tight and functions well.