Manufactured in 1875, this is one of only approximately 360 Colt Cavalry Model Revolvers inspected by Samuel B. Lewis, making it one of the scarcest variations of the U.S. ordnance inspected Cavalry Models. Lewis inspected Cavalry Model Revolvers are found in the 15,000 to early 16,000 serial number range. 100 of these revolvers were especially manufactured for the State of Iowa. Lewis' highly desirable and rarely seen single inspector initial "L" is found on the underside of the barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. A "P" proof mark is located on the underside of the barrel. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by "US." The ejector rod has the correct early style bulls eye head. Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder ("5504"), and barrel ("5504"). The revolver is plated in nickel. In "Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers…a Continuing Study," authors Kopec and Fenn only accounted for 15 Lewis inspected Cavalry Models. Four of these revolvers were nickel plated. Four basic theories for the existence of highly controversial nickel plated U.S. Cavalry Model Revolvers have developed over the decades and are the following: 1) issued to Indian Scouts and Police; 2) special order "officers" revolvers; 3) surplus State of Virginia Militia revolvers sold to and nickel plated by Colt or commercial retailers; and 4) U.S. Navy revolvers. See Kopec's "A Study of Colt Single Action Army Revolver" for the history related to this ongoing debate.

Fine, retaining 70% period retailer applied nickel plating with flaking turned to brown on the balance. The grips are also fine with a few small surface chips near the bottom, typical hairline age cracking on the bottom, and some minor handling marks. The grip has aged to an attractive mellow yellow color and has attractive grain pattern. Mechanically excellent. A desirable Samuel B. Lewis inspected U.S. Cavalry Model Revolver missing from even the most advanced Colt SAA or U.S. military collections. A must have for the serious collector!