This extraordinary U.S. contract Colt Single Action Cavalry Model Revolver was manufactured in 1880. This revolver was inspected by Lieutenant David A. Lyle (DAL) and Ordnance Sub-Inspector David F. Clark (DFC). The revolver has the Colt military blue finish on the barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The screws and trigger have a fiery niter blue finish. The frame, hammer and loading gate are color casehardened. The one-piece walnut grip is oil finished. The revolver has the early "bullseye" ejector rod and "cavalry style" hammer with elongated, bordered knurling on the spur. The "U.S. property mark is stamped on the left side of the receiver. The small "D.F.C." sub-inspection mark is stamped on the underside of the barrel, bottom of the frame above the serial number, side of the cylinder and on the right grip heel. "P" proofmarks are stamped on the underside of the barrel and side of the cylinder. The lower left side of the grip is stamped with the date "1880" above the script "DAL" final inspection mark. The lower right side of the grip is stamped with the script "DFC" sub-inspector's mark enclosed in a rectangle. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the "Style IV" address: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S..A." in one line. The Colt "three-line/three-date" patent marks are roll-stamped on the left side of the frame ahead of the "U.S." property mark. The assembly number "2744" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The partial serial number is stamped on the underside of the barrel and on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match.

Excellent plus. This revolver is all original and remains in as-issued remarkable condition. The barrel shows 98% of the original blue finish with "feathered" polishing marks on either side of the front sight blade and above the ejector housing stud. The barrel legend, inspection and proofmarks and serial number are all extremely sharp. The ejector housing has some light finish wear on the front edge but retains nearly all of the blue finish. The cylinder has light drag lines between the stops; the serial number, proofmark and sub-inspection mark are all crisp. Nearly all of the original blue finish is present on the trigger guard with distinct polishing marks on either side of the bow. The blue on the back strap shows light handling wear and has thinned slightly but retains at least 95%. The screws and trigger have at least 90% of the original nitre blue finish. The frame and loading gate retain more than 95% of the vivid original case colors. The patent markings, serial numbers and "U.S" property mark are extremely crisp. The walnut grip is in near new condition with all of the original finish. The date, Ordnance final inspection mark and sub-inspection mark are fully legible and extremely sharp. The action is crisp and functions perfectly. Original configuration Cavalry Model revolvers are scarce in any condition and frequently show hard service use. This exceptional revolver remains in nearly as-issued condition and is one of the one of the finest examples of a D.F.C. sub-inspected Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver ever offered for sale by the Rock Island Auction Company.