The accompanying factory letter states the revolver originally was delivered to the U.S. government inspector at the Colt plant on May 20, 1890. In 1895, a number of U.S. Colt Cavalry Single Action Army Revolvers, like this one, were returned to either the Colt factory where they were refurbished into Artillery Models, often with little regard to which gun the parts came from, resulting in a mix of serial numbers and markings. According to Colt expert and author John Kopec in his included letter of authentication, the revolver falls into a serial number range of Cavalries that were altered to Artillery Model configuration "at the Springfield Armory while still in brand new unissued condition during 1898," issued to the 2nd Artillery as of October 17, 1900 and is "all in all, a very presentable U.S. Artillery revolver. The revolver has a 5 1/2 inch barrel, casehardened frame and hammer and blue remaining parts. This particular revolver has the serial number "132597" on the frame, "131805" on the trigger guard, "5229" on the cylinder, "9212" on the barrel and "113103" on the back strap. It bears the standard one line address on top of the barrel, "P" and "A" marked on the bottom of the barrel. The left side of the frame is marked with the three line, three patent dates followed by "U.S". The cylinder is marked with a "P" and "D.F.C.", "R.A.C." is marked on the bottom of the frame above the serial number, "K" is marked below the trigger guard serial number and "G" below the back strap serial number. Standard blade front and frame notch rear sights and is fitted with the correct smooth one-piece walnut grip with a faint partial cartouche on the right side.

Fine. The revolver retains 50% of the factory refurbished blue finish mixed with smooth gray and brown patina. The frame shows 30% plus case colors, strongest ahead of the cylinder, mixed with a smooth mottled gray patina. The grip is very good with some minor lower edge wear and a few minor dents and handling marks. The markings are clear. The action is fine. Provenance: The Corner Stone Collection.