This early U.S. Cavalry Colt Single Action Army was manufactured in 1874 under contract with the U.S. government. As outlined in the February 2016 dated letter from noted Colt Single Action Army authority John A. Kopec, this revolver escaped the Ordnance Department recall in 1893 and remains in original Cavalry configuration and has only minor period alterations. Kopec believes this revolver was probably stolen prior to 1893 and also notes other revolvers within the same serial number range that he determined were most likely stolen from Co. C of the 8th U.S. Cavalry. The left side of the grip has a distinct "OWA" cartouche for Orville W. Ainsworth, and his "A" markings are found on the back strap by the hammer, at the front of the trigger guard, bottom of the barrel along with a "P," and on the cylinder along with another "P." A "C" is in the hammer well slot. It has a rounded blade front sight, "+COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co, HARTFORD, CT, U.S.A.+" on top of the barrel in the early italic font with broken letters, top strap groove rear sight which has been slightly modified to a "V" at the rear, bullseye ejector rod head, "PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871/PAT. JULY 2. 1872" on the left side of the frame followed by "U.S.," "558" on the loading gate, all matching serial numbers, "CLARKE CADY" stamped on the butt and "CWC" carved into the butt of the grip to the right of the back strap. The consignor has included some documents referencing research into these added markings but did not uncover any matching individuals in the U.S. Army. The only logical individual we have uncovered is a man named Clarke Willis Cady who is recorded as a graduate of Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, and as studying at the Hartford Seminary Foundation in the 1940s and was a life member of the National Rifle Association. He may have purchased the revolver to shoot or as a collectable given its relevance to Hartford's history.

Very good plus. The revolver displays traces of original case colors on the hammer and small amounts of original blue on the grip straps and in protected areas such as the underside of the ejector housing. The balance has mostly a mix of gray and brown patina along with some faint pitting and minor marks and scratches. The markings remain distinct. The grips are very fine. As Kopec notes in the letter: "The grips remain outstanding, are properly serial numbered and also display a very presentable Ainsworth cartouche." The rear sight groove was modified slightly to a "V," the front strap was drilled for a grip pin, and the mainspring is a replacement (installed by Kopec), but aside from these relatively minor modifications and the added markings, the revolver remains in Cavalry configuration and is in well above average condition.