This historic Colt falls within the very first block of 12,500 Cavalry Model revolvers, which were inspected by U.S. ordnance officer Orville W. Ainsworth. Ainsworth inspected Cavalry Models are exceptionally desirable and rare in their own right, but this specific revolver is a true scarcity. This revolver, serial number 10143, was one of only ten revolvers shipped to Japan for presentation to the Mikado, or Emperor Meiji (1867-1912), as well as other high ranking Japanese officials. Along with the ten Colt Cavalry Model Revolvers, the Ordnance Department had "carefully packed for water transportation" ten Springfield Rifles, five Springfield Carbines, two officer's swords, and one thread velocimeter. Two officer's sabers were also meant to be included according to the original request from the Chief of Ordnance, however they were not procured in time to make the shipment from New York to San Francisco. The correspondence regarding these arms requested that they reach Bvt. Lt. Col. S. C. Lyford at the Ordnance Department in San Francisco no later than 1 July, and were sent via express freight from New York. No further correspondence after the confirmation of shipment from New York is available so it can be deduced that the whole shipment left San Francisco for Japan sometime in July of 1874. Details of this correspondence are listed on page 501 of "A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver" by Kopec. Although the presentation of these revolvers had been known for some time, their whereabouts remained unknown until two of these scarce revolvers surfaced in 1946 during the occupation of Japan when this example, serial number 10143, and another, serial number 10378 (cylinder numbered "0233") were turned in at the Tokyo Army Ordnance Depot. Both revolvers were apparently retained by the lieutenant that took them in at the depot and remained in his collection until he traded them both in Washington in 1976, along with a notarized letter stating how he had acquired them. Up until the time of this trade the serial range of these ten revolvers had been a complete mystery among Colt collecting. Since then, another "Mikado" Colt has surfaced, also brought back to the U.S. by a G.I. stationed in Japan, which bears serial number 10158. This makes a total of three of the ten revolvers that were sent to Japan, as well as a fourth serial number being assumed (10233) from the mismatched cylinder on revolver number 10378. This example has all matching numbers unlike its partner that was handed in at the ordnance depot. These two revolvers are both pictured on page 19 of "Colt Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers...a Continuing Study" by Kopec and Fenn. The caption for this picture is incorrect however as this revolver is listed as pictured on the right, while this revolvers wear patterns clearly match the revolver pictured on the left. This revolver as well as its partner are also listed by serial number on page 169 of "Colt Cavalry, Artillery & Militia Revolvers" by Cochran. This revolver has the symbol of the Japanese imperial family, a chrysanthemum, faintly stamped on the right side of the grip. "A" Ainsworth inspector markings are visible on the trigger guard under the serial number and at the top of the back strap, and his boxed script "OWA" cartouche is on the left of the grip. There is a "P" on the bottom of the barrel and a "C" in the hammer well. The standard two line patent dates ending in 1871 and 1872 are on the left of the frame followed by "US". The matching full serial numbered are on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, with matching partial serial numbers (0143) on the cylinder and barrel under the ejector rod housing. The John Kopec gold seal letter verifies the authenticity of this "historically significant" Mikado Colt Cavalry revolver and states with great satisfaction, "We have truly enjoyed reviewing this revolver because it is the first time that it has 'surfaced' in the past forty-five years." These "Mikado" Colts may truly be some of the most scarce revolvers in Colt collecting, with only three complete revolvers known to exist, and the possibility of only seven more ever resurfacing.

Fine, retains 70% plus of a period, arsenal refurbished, "dip-blue" type finish on the frame and strong traces of the original case colors on the hammer with the balance a grey patina. There are patches of mild pitting throughout, though most are not affecting the markings, which are crisp overall. The grip is also fine with minor dings and scratches, crisp Ainsworth cartouche, and the faint chrysanthemum cartouche on the opposite side. Mechanically excellent. If you desire to add rarity to your Colt collection, it may not get any rarer than this Ainsworth inspected, Colt Cavalry Model that was sent to Japan for presentation to the emperor. Don't miss this opportunity to own this exceedingly scarce piece of history!