This revolver is accompanied by a letter from John A. Kopec that states this revolver was assembled using one of the 171 replacement frames purchased by the Ordnance Department from Colt between 1874 and 1891. The frame has the mid-production ''three-date/three-line'' Colt patent markings and "U.S." property mark. The trigger guard is serial numbered "3232" and stamped with the "A" Orville W. Ainsworth sub-inspection mark. The trigger guard is the only component on the revolver stamped with a serial number. The barrel is a late production Colt replacement marked "45 COLT" on the left side and stamped with the "RAC" sub-inspection mark on the bottom. The cylinder has a "P" proof mark on the side and lacks an Ordnance inspection mark and serial number. The back strap is not serial numbered or inspected. The walnut grip has a sharp "RAC" sub-inspection mark on the left heel but no other markings. The loading gate is not stamped with an assembly number. The hammer appears top be a factory replacement with early, bordered, civilian style knurling on the spur. The ejector housing has a the late oval ejector rod head. The barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap have the Colt commercial blue finish used on Artillery Model revolvers refurbished by Colt c. 1900-1903. The frame, loading gate and hammer are color casehardened. The walnut grip is oil finished. In "Colt Cavalry and Artillery Revolvers" author John Kopec examined the 12 known 'Non-Numbered" Artillery Model Single Action revolvers in detail and concluded that they were probably assembled by Colt c. 1903 using replacement parts at the end of the 1900-1903 Single Action refurbishment contract. The "Non-Numbered" Artillery Model Single Actions are a distinct and rare variation of the U.S. contract Single Action Army revolvers.

Fine. This revolver appears to have all the components from the c.1903 Colt overhaul. The barrel, ejector housing and cylinder retain 70% of the factory refurbished Colt commercial blue finish. The blue on the trigger guard and back strap shows handling wear and has faded to a blue-brown patina. The frame, loading gate and hammer have 75% of the casehardened finish with bright case colors. The markings on the barrel, frame and trigger guard are crisp. The slightly undersize grip is in very fine condition with a few minor handling marks and sharp inspection marks on the left heel. The action is tight and functions fine. This is a fine example of a unique Colt U.S contract "Non-Numbered" Artillery Model Single Action Revolver.