This unique revolver is made up of one of the 171 non-numbered replacement frames purchased by the Ordnance Department from Colt between 1874 and 1891, with 12 of these being identified by Kopec and Fenn. Only two of the revolvers known to them were stamped with "U.S." property marks, see "Colt Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers: A Continuing Study," p. 100, and the only other known "L.D." inspected, non-numbered example is discussed on p. 103. This is one of only 10 replacement frames believed to have been manufactured with the early two-line two-date patent marking on the left of the frame. The frame is also marked "U.S." on the left, and "L.D." on the bottom in place of the serial number, the initials of sub-inspector Lewis Draper. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line address. The front of the trigger guard is numbered "17723/J". The rear face of the cylinder and the bottom left side of the grip are marked "R.A.C.", the initials of the Ordnance Principal Sub-Inspector Rinaldo A. Carr. The bottom of the barrel is numbered "9900", has a faint "R.A.C." stamp, and two "P" stamps. Both the barrel and trigger guard are from early Cavalry Model revolvers. It is fitted with the later oval type ejector rod head, standard blade front and frame notch rear sights, blue finish with casehardened frame and hammer, and a smooth one-piece walnut grip. Including an example previously sold here at Rock Island Auction Company and the example known to Kopec and Fenn, this example may be one of only three known, non-numbered, Lewis Draper inspected, Colt Artillery Model revolvers in existence.

Good, showing mostly a smooth grey-brown patina with some traces of the arsenal refinished blue in sheltered areas, a few scattered patches of light pitting, and mostly crisp markings. The grip is very good with a discolored strip at the left rear and some spotting of varnish on the right, some scattered light dings and scratches, and minor chip at the left heel, and a crisp inspector marking. Mechanically excellent.