This U.S. Colt Single Action Army Revolver was originally manufactured in 1885 as a cavalry model and subsequently Colt refurbished and converted to "artillery" configuration with 5 1/2 inch barrel in 1895-96. The revolver has matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. The barrel is stamped with the small "A" inspection mark of Ordnance Sub-Inspector Orville W. Ainsworth and the serial number "2485". The cylinder has the additional numerals "11" added to the partial serial number "6800" on the cylinder which indicates that it was one of the Single Action Cavalry revolvers altered to artillery configuration by Colt in 1895-96. The serial number, "116800", is listed among the Captain Frank Heath-inspected revolvers issued to the New York State militia. In addition, the butt is stamped with the property mark/rack number "N.J. 55" indicating that the revolver was also issued to the New Jersey militia or national guard during its service life. The revolver has the early "bullseye" ejector rod head and "cavalry" style hammer with bordered, elongated knurling on the spur. The butt is fitted with a Colt lanyard loop. The revolver has the Colt military blue finish on the barrel, ejector housing cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The frame, hammer and loading gate have a casehardened finish. The one-piece walnut grip has an oil finish. The barrel is roll-stamped with the early, script style address: "+COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.+" with slanted crosses at either end. The underside of the barrel is stamped with the serial number beneath the ejector housing and a "P" proofmark and "A" sub-inspection mark in front of the frame. The early style barrel has an indentation for an ejector housing barrel boss. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt three patent markings followed by the "U.S" property mark. The loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "511". The sub-inspection mark "D.F.C." and the serial number, "116800", are stamped on the bottom of the frame. "116800/G" is stamped in front of the trigger guard bow, and "116/800/G" is stamped on the bottom of the back strap. The cylinder is stamped with the full serial number, "116800", a "P" proofmark and the sub-inspection mark "D.F.C." All of the serial numbers except the barrel serial number match. A "G" Colt inspection mark is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole. The left grip heel is stamped with the small "R.A.C." sub-inspection mark. No Ordnance final or sub-inspection stamps are visible on the grip.

Very fine. The revolver retains 75% plus of the blue and casehardened finish. The factory polishing marks are visible on either side of the front sight blade. The barrel, ejector housing, trigger guard and back strap retain 60% of the blue finish. Most of the finish wear is concentrated on the top of the barrel and on the grip straps. The cylinder retains 70% of the blue finish with some thinning on the chambers. The frame, loading gate and hammer have 85% of the casehardened finish. The case colors have faded and are silvering on contact points. All of the markings are crisp. The grip is in very good condition with smooth surfaces and minimal handling wear. The action is tight and functions perfectly. This is a very fine example of a Colt Artillery Model Single Action Revolver. Artillery Model Single Action Revolvers with matching serial numbers on all components except the barrel (Type II Artillery Revolvers) are scarce and very desirable.