This Colt U.S. Contract Single Action Army revolver was manufactured in 1887 and refurbished by Colt to "Artillery" configuration with 5 1/2-inch barrel in 1895. This revolver is accompanied by a "Letter of Authentication" by Colt Single Action expert John A. Kopec and "Certificate of Authentication" by David A. Lanara. Both letters describe the features and condition of this revolver and the details of the 1895 Colt "Artillery" alteration and refurbishment The Kopec letter states that this revolver remains in un-fired condition since the 1895 Colt alteration. The Lanara letter describes the condition this revolver as "Excellent, 94%" and states that it is "100% correct in every respect". The revolver has the full serial number stamped on the frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. The cylinder was re-numbered with the full serial number by Colt during the 1895 alteration and is stamped with a "P" proof-mark and "D.F.C." sub-inspection mark. All the serial numbers match with the exception of the barrel. The barrel is from an early Ainsworth inspected Cavalry Model revolver altered by Colt in 1895. The barrel is roll-stamped with the serial number "8443" above the ejector housing (the Kopec letter explains this rare serial number placement and states that the revolvers altered by Colt in 1895 retained all of the original components EXCEPT the barrels). The barrel has the early script address and is stamped with a small "P" proof on the bottom center-line. The barrel has the first style ejector housing with barrel boss. The ejector housing has the first style 'bullseye' ejector rod head. The bottom of the frame is stamped with a "D.F.C." sub-inspector mark above the serial number and the side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt "Three-Date/Three-Line" patent markings followed by the "U.S." property mark. The loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "468". The one-piece walnut grip was refinished during the 1895 alteration and has no visible markings except for a small "RAC" sub-inspection mark on the right heel. The barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, back strap and trigger guard have the 1985 Colt commercial blue finish. The frame and loading gate are casehardened and have vivid case colors. The hammer has the distinctive fire-blue finish found on some of the New York Militia Single Action Cavalry revolvers refurbished by Colt in 1895. The revolver screws and trigger have the same fire-blue finish. The one-piece walnut grip is oil finished. Most of the 2000 Cavalry revolvers altered by Colt to Artillery configuration in 1895 were subsequently refurbished by Colt c. 1900-1903 and had the serial numbered components mixed. This rare revolver is one of the best 1895 Colt alteration Artillery Models extant.

Excellent plus. This revolver remains in the original configuration as refurbished by Colt in 1895 and has 95% of the Colt commercial blue and color casehardened finish. The barrel has a small spot of shallow pitting on the left side of the muzzle. The ejector housing has 98% of the blue with some slight wear on the leading edge. The cylinder has 95% plus of the blue with some slight edge wear. The grip straps show light handling wear but retain 90% plus of the blue finish. The frame has 95% of the vivid case colors with some small areas of shallow pitting on the top strap and right side. The Kopec letter notes that the limited finish wear may be the result of holster storage. The hammer, trigger and screws have 95% plus of the fire blue finish. The grip remains in near-perfect condition with only slight handling marks. This is the finest example of a U.S. Colt Artillery Model Single Action revolver that we have ever offered at auction and would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to improve upon. Provenance: The Corner Stone Collection.