Manufactured in 1875, this is an exceptionally scarce Colt Cavalry Model revolver that was dual sub-inspected by both W. W. Johnson and A. P. Casey. The included John Kopec letter indicates that this revolver was a new listing in their survey and falls between an Artillery Model revolver and another Cavalry Model, bearing serial numbers 18268 and 18286. Kopec goes on to state that this revolver could not be located in the National Archives records but that it falls between two revolvers issued to the cavalry units, 17789 issued to Troop C 5th Cavalry and 18393 issued to Troop L 7th Cavalry. Many these revolvers would have been issued to the 7th Cavalry that was reformed shortly after George Custer's command was wiped out at the Battle of Little Bighorn and likely carried through the remainder of the Indian Wars. The disastrous Battle of the Little Bighorn fomented national outrage in both the U.S. Army and public. New recruits eagerly rushed to enlist, and these revolvers were issued to replacement troops known as Custer's Avengers. The 7th Cavalry subsequently fought in the Nez Perce War, Crow War, and Ghost Dance War, including at the infamous Wounded Knee Massacre. A Kopec letter for another "C & J" sub-inspected revolver indicates that in analyzing their survey they discovered only fifteen known "C & J" inspected revolvers and that the known number range they are found in only includes approximately 1,612 serial numbers, making this example incredibly scarce. Kopec states that it is his opinion that the revolver remains 100% original. Kopec also states that this particular revolver was possibly "liberated" by a deserter or stored in a state militia armory prior to the recall of 1893 and thus escaped being converted to an Artillery Model. The revolver has the early "bullseye" ejector rod head, "cavalry" hammer with bordered elongated knurling on the spur and cone-shaped firing pin. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the first style, "script" barrel address "+ COLT"S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. +" with slanted crosses at either end. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt, two-date/two-line patent marking followed by a small "U.S." property mark. The assembly number, "459," is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The small "J" sub-inspection mark used by Johnson is stamped below the serial number on the trigger guard, side of the cylinder and underside of the barrel. The "C" inspection marks of Casey are visible on the rear face of the cylinder, bottom of the grip, and above the firing pin hole. The grip has an "A.P.C." Casey cartouche on the left side. Colt "G" and "C" inspection marks are stamped below the ejector housing barrel boss. The full serial number, "18281," is stamped on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "8281" is stamped on the barrel beneath the ejector rod housing and on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. An included Colt archive letter states that shipping records on the revolver are unavailable.

Fine, showing 50% of original blue and 40% original case colors mostly in sheltered areas with the balance a brown patina with some scattered patches of light pitting. The grip is very fine with some light wear and handling marks and well-defined cartouches. Mechanically excellent. An exceptionally scarce dual sub-inspected Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army revolver with true American West history! Provenance: The Corner Stone Collection.