U.S. contract Colt Single Action revolver manufactured in 1876 and sub-inspected by Lewis Draper (L.D.) on the bottom of the frame. This revolver has been altered to "Artillery" configuration with 5 1/2-inch barrel and mixed serial numbers. The barrel is from an Ainsworth sub-inspected Cavalry Model revolver and has the early features which include: (1) ejector housing with boss pin, (2) first style script address, and (3) small Ainsworth "A" sub-inspection mark below the "P" proof on the underside of the barrel. The cylinder is from an early Ainsworth sub-inspected revolver and has small rectangular stops and is stamped with a "A" sub-inspection mark and "P" proofmark. In addition to the "L.D." sub-inspection mark stamped above the serial number, the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt "Two-Date/Two-Line" patent markings followed by a "U.S." property mark. The ejector rod has an early "bullseye" head. The hammer has elongated, bordered knurling on the spur. The assembly number "5745" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The barrel is serial numbered "5219" and the cylinder is numbered "2092". The trigger guard is numbered "114373/G," and the back strap is serial numbered "138/229/K". There are no visible inspection marks or dates on the one-piece walnut grip. Experts speculate that some U.S. Contract Artillery Model revolvers with mixed serial numbers may have been altered to Artillery configuration by Colt or Springfield Armory prior to the Spanish American War and subsequently refurbished at Benicia Arsenal in California or Manila Arsenal in the Philippines following the war. This revolver has a military blue barrel, ejector housing cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The frame, loading gate and hammer are color casehardened.

Very fine. The revolver retains about 70% plus of the arsenal refurbished blue on the barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The barrel shows holster wear at the muzzle with light handling marks on the top and left sides. The cylinder has most of the blue with edge and high point wear. The blue on the bottom of the trigger guard, grip and back strap has faded to a mottled gray. The frame, loading gate and hammer retain 85% of the vivid color casehardened finish. The grip is in fine overall condition but appears to have been sanded during overhaul and has no visible date or Ordnance inspection marks. All of the Colt and Ordnance markings and serial numbers are clear. The action functions perfectly. This is a very fine example of an early production Colt Cavalry Model Single Action revolver altered to Artillery configuration prior to the Spanish American War and subsequently refurbished for issue during the Philippine Insurrection.