The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was one of 150 units sold to the U.S. Government and delivered to the U.S. inspector at the Colt factory on December 27, 1880. The factory records also contain another listing for this serial number indicating it was delivered to the U.S. inspector at the Colt factory on December 30, 1880. The included Kopec letter authenticates the revolver and concludes that this Cavalry Model SAA was probably issued to one of the state militia units. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address, the frame has the three-line patent dates marking followed by "U.S.", and the David F. Clark sub inspection "DFC" stamp is located on the barrel, bottom of the grip, frame and cylinder. A "P" proof is stamped on the barrel and cylinder. Matching serial numbers are found on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder and barrel.

Very good plus. 20% of the original blue finish remain on the barrel under the ejector rod housing and trigger guard; otherwise, the revolver has a mixed brown-gray patina with minute traces of original blue and case colors in the protected areas. The sanded, reoiled grip is also very good with high edge wear, a series of dings on the bottom and minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.