Manufactured in 1874 as a Cavalry model, it was subsequently modified to the Artillery configuration with 5 1/2 inch barrel and overhauled by Colt for the U.S. Army in 1903. The included factory letter states that the revolver was shipped to the U.S. Government Commanding Officer Springfield Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts, on April 1, 1903, as part of a 100 gun shipment. It has a blued barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap; casehardened frame and hammer and one-piece, oil-finished walnut grip. The revolver retains the original "bull's-eye" ejector rod head and Cavalry pattern hammer with elongated checkering on the spur. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the "elongated block" Hartford address, and the underside is stamped with the partial serial number "9796", two "P" proof marks and the original sub-inspector's "D.F.C." mark. The bottom of the frame is stamped with the serial number "9683", and the left side is roll-stamped with the early, "two-date/two-line" patent marks followed by the "U.S." property mark. The inside of the loading gate is numbered "565". The side of the cylinder is stamped with a "P" proof mark and the partial serial number "869" (the first digit is illegible). "K" and "s" sub-inspection marks are stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. The trigger guard is numbered "132616" above a "K" sub-inspection mark. The back strap is serial numbered "114/213" and stamped with a "g" sub-inspection mark. A "C" is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole. The lower right side of the grip is dated "1903" and stamped with the script initials of the Ordnance Sub-Inspector "RAC" in a rectangle. "R.A.C." is stamped on the bottom both grip heels. Three punch marks are stamped on the bottom of the right heel.

Very good plus as Colt factory refurbished for the U.S. government. The revolver retains 40% of the dull blue and traces of casehardened finish. Most of the blue finish is present on the barrel. The ejector housing, cylinder and trigger guard have about 60% of the blue finish. The backstrap has a silver patina. The case colors on the frame and loading gate have faded to a silver-gray patina with traces of the casehardened finish in protected areas. The hammer retains traces of the case colors. Markings on the barrel and frame are sharp. The cylinder markings are faint from polishing during overhaul. The grip shows moderate handling wear with chip in left grip; the inspection marks on the lower right side are light but legible. The inspection marks on the grip heels are crisp. The action is tight and functions fine. This is a very good example of an early production Indian War Single Action Cavalry revolver modified to Artillery configuration for re-issue during the Philippine Insurrection.