Manufactured in 1874, the second year of production, this desirable U.S. Cavalry Colt revolver was inspected by U.S. Ordnance Department Sub-Inspector Orville W. Ainsworth. The revolver features the standard blade front and notch rear sights. The top of the barrel is marked with the early slant letter "+ COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A+." The left side of the frame is stamped with the two line, two patent date marking "PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871/PAT. JULY. 2, 1872" followed by "U.S." The bottom of the barrel is marked with a small letter "P" and Ainsworth's "A" sub-inspection mark just ahead of the cylinder pin. There is a letter "P" and letter "A" on the cylinder, and the letter "A" on top of the top of the back strap and just below the serial number on the trigger guard. There is a letter "C" marked in the hammer well. The complete matching serial number "12518" is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap with the correct partial serial number "2518" on the underside of the barrel under the ejector housing and on the cylinder. The ejector rod head is the correct early "bulls eye" or donut style with the hole in the center. The revolver is fitted with smooth one-piece walnut grip with a clear Orville W. Ainsworth "OWA" cartouche on the lower left side. Orville W. Ainsworth was the first Principal Sub-Inspector assigned to Colt by the U.S. War Department.

Very good plus. The crisp untouched original metal surfaces have a mottled brown patina with strong traces of original blue finish in the protected areas of the barrel at the breech, and showing some fine pitting on the frame and cylinder. The grip is fine with some wear on the lower edges, a number of small dings on the bottom edge and a few other minor handling marks overall. The cartouche and markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent. One does not find crisp original, no apologies, Ainsworth Cavalry Colts like this one!