This Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver was manufactured in 1878 and inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector Henry Nettleton. This revolver was one of 800 pistols re-furbished by Colt in 1895 and issued to the New York State Militia. These revolvers retained the original 7 1/2 inch barrels and originally had all matching serial numbers. Most of the revolvers refurbished in 1895 had the hammers refinished a fiery niter blue. This revolver has the "HN" Henry Nettleton sub-inspection mark stamped: (1) on the underside of the barrel, (2) on the bottom of the frame, (3) on the trigger guard in front of the bow, (4) left side of the hammer and (5) top of the back strap. "P" proof marks are stamped on the underside of the barrel and on the side of the cylinder. The serial number is visible on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The ejector housing could not be removed to check the barrel serial number. The cylinder is serial numbered "136620" and stamped with a "R.A.C." sub-inspection mark. The cylinder is probably a field mis-match. It is stamped with the full serial number applied by Colt to the 800 revolvers over-hauled in 1895. The butt is stamped with the New York Militia marking: "4/S.C./6" (4th Brigade/Signal Corps/Rack No. 6) and over-stamped: "B/74". There is an illegible, oval Ordnance inspection mark stamped near the bottom left side of the grip. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the legend: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in one line. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt "Three-Line/Three-Date" patent markings followed by the "US" property mark. The assembly number "6224" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The revolver has the late style oval ejector rod head. The hammer has the distinctive fire blue finish found on the 800 Single Action Cavalry revolvers refurbished by Colt in 1895 and elongated bordered knurling on the spur. The barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap have the Colt military blue finish. The frame and loading gate are color casehardened.

Fine as factory refurbished. The revolver retains most of the original components. The barrel and ejector housing have 60% of the Colt blue finish with moderate handling wear. The replacement cylinder retains 30% of the blue finish with numerous scattered peen marks visible on several of the chambers. 50% of the blue remains on the trigger guard and back strap. The frame and loading gate have 80% of the case colors. The hammer retains most of the fire blue finish on the sides with a smooth silver-gray patina on the top. The undersized replacement grip has been sanded and refinished, and the inspection mark on the left side is illegible. The action is crisp, but the hammer will not hold at half-cock. This is a good-looking example of a desirable Henry Nettleton sub-inspected Single Action Cavalry revolver issued to the New York State Militia.