Between 1895 and 1903, the U.S. government had nearly 17,000 Colt Single Action Army revolvers refurbished and rebuilt with 5 1/2 inch barrels by the Springfield Armory and Colt's factory. These arms were brought back into service during the Spanish-American War, Filipino-American War, and Moro Rebellion. Though nicknamed "Artillery Models," they were actually issued to a variety of U.S. Army units and particularly known to have been favored for use against the Moro warriors who were known to continue fighting after being shot with the weaker .38 caliber Colt double action revolvers also in use. The frame on this revolver dates to 1887 and has the three-line patent marking followed by "U.S" on the left, "D.F.C." (David F. Clark) and "119754" on the bottom, "G" in the hammer well, and no visible marking on the loading gate. The barrel has the one-line address on top, "O/G/K" and "1261" under the ejector housing, "P" twice and "R.A.C." (Rinaldo A. Carr) on the bottom at the breech, and the early "bullseye" style ejector rod. The cylinder has "11/4014" and "P" on the side and the letters "K" and "S" along with a "1" on the rear face. The trigger guard has "9872" and "A" ahead of the bow, and the back strap has "121/037" at the toe. The grip has "1901" over an "O.C.H." (Odus C. Horney, one of the designers of the famous 1903 Springfield) boxed cartouche on the left, "R.A.C." (Rinaldo A. Carr) stamped on the bottom on the left, and an "R.A.C." boxed cartouche on the right.

Very fine as factory refurbished for U.S. Government with 95% plus of the bright, factory high polish blue finish, 75% plus of the case colors, mostly smooth patina on the fading areas, some scratches and marks, mild cylinder drag lines, some light oxidation, and mild edge wear. The markings remain legible, but some are partially faded such as those on the side of the frame. The grip is very fine and has distinct cartouches, scattered dents, edge wear, and minor scratches. Mechanically excellent. This is easily among the finest Artillery Models extant.