Manufactured in 1891 and inspected by Capt. Stanhope E. Blunt, this revolver was altered to "Artillery" configuration with shortened 5 1/2-inch barrel by the Springfield Armory c. 1898 for issue during the Spanish-American War and subsequently issued to Squadron A of the New York Militia cavalry. It is pictured and described in detail on pages 120-121 of "COLT CAVALRY AND ARTILLERY REVOLVERS" by John Kopec and Sterling Fenn. The revolver has matching serial numbers on all components except the barrel. This is typical of Single Action Cavalry revolvers altered to Artillery configuration by Springfield which have either all matching serial numbers or only non-matching barrels. This revolver has the full serial number "139094" stamped on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The cylinder is stamped with the partial serial number "9094". The barrel is stamped with the partial serial number "5302" beneath the ejector housing. The left side of the grip is branded with a block "A" and the right side is stamped with rack number "36". These markings are typical of the grip markings found on Single Action revolvers issued to the New York State Militia. In addition to the serial numbers and distinctive grip markings, this revolver has the usual markings found on late production U.S. Contract Colt Single Action revolvers. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "COLT'S P.T. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in one line. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt three-date/two-line' patent markings utilized after serial number 134,000 followed by the "U.S." property mark. The small "R.A.C." sub-inspection mark is stamped on the frame above the serial number, the side of the cylinder and on the right grip heel. A "D.F.C." sub-inspection marks is stamped on the underside of the barrel. Small "P" proofmarks are stamped on the underside of the barrel and the side of the cylinder. Colt "K" inspection marks are stamped on the back strap, trigger guard, in the frame hammer well and on the face of the ejector housing. The lower left side of the grip is stamped with the date "1891" above the script "SEB" Ordnance final inspection mark. The lower right side of the grip is stamped with a large script "RAC" sub-inspection mark. The revolver has the late oval ejector rod head. The hammer spur has elongated, bordered knurling. The barrel, ejector housing, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder have a military blue finish. The frame, loading gate and hammer are color casehardened. The screws and trigger have a fire blue finish and the one-piece walnut grip is oil finished.

Excellent. This revolver remains in the same original condition as when it was issued by the Springfield Armory c. 1898. The barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap show only very limited handling wear and retain at least 90% of the military blue finish. The frame, hammer and loading gate have 85% plus of the fiery case colors. The screws are in excellent condition. The screws and trigger retain nearly all of the fire blue finish. All of markings and serial numbers are extremely crisp. The grip is excellent with sharp date, Ordnance inspection marks and bold New York militia markings. Wear is limited to several minor chips in the right heel. The action is tight and functions perfectly. The description of this revolver in "COLT CAVALRY AND ARTILLERY REVOLVERS" states "A beautiful example of an all matching numbered (except barrel) Springfield Armory Artillery revolver" and further notes "Identifiable Springfield altered Artillery revolvers are among the rarest type encountered. Few have survived the ravages of time". This is a really outstanding example of a Spanish American War alteration Colt Artillery Model Revolver that would be extremely hard to improve upon.