This early U.S. Cavalry Colt Single Action Army was manufactured in 1873 under contract with the U.S. government. As outlined in the included letter from noted Colt Single Action Army authority John A. Kopec, this revolver escaped the Ordnance Department recall in 1893 and remains in original Cavalry configuration and has only minor alterations. The letter describes the features and condition of this revolver, and states, "... this revolver's serial number falls between #2918 (a Railway Mail Service Revolver) and #2976 (a revolver belonging to 'Troop D 2nd Cavalry' as of October 2nd, 1882." The letter mentions #2499 as being a recovered Custer battlefield revolver and continues on, "The revolvers #2902 and #2956 are Cavalry revolvers which are marked 'CO K 4' CAV' on their frames. The Fourth Cavalry was issued their initial allotments of these new 'Strap-Pistols' during the 2nd Quarter of 1874. 'Co. K' was however the only Fourth Cavalry unit to have stamped their revolvers with this unit identification, therefore there is a chance that the subject revolver had been originally issued to one of the other Fourth Cavalry companies that did not mark their revolvers." Because this revolver still remains in its original Cavalry configuration suggests that it had somehow avoided the Ordnance Department's recall of 1893. This could have occurred because of either being lost, stolen (deserter), or captured by the hostile Indians prior to this recall period. It remains somewhat doubtful that a revolver with this low serial number had been issued to a state militia, so our last guess would be that this revolver had been 'liberated' by a deserter from the U.S. Cavalry." Orville W. Ainsworth's "A" inspection stamp can be found below the serial number on the trigger guard, on the bottom of the barrel, on the cylinder, and top of the back strap. The cylinder and barrel also bear a "P" proof mark along with the aforementioned sub-inspection mark. The letter comments on the fact that the revolver's barrel address is still in near perfect condition. The letter also states the hammer may be a later replacement and that the revolver is fitted with an old-style mainspring, made without the hammer roller channel. The revolver features blade front and notch rear sights, bullseye ejector, and one piece walnut grip. All of the visible serial numbers match. The barrel is marked with "+COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.+" on top and matching numbered "2925" under the ejector housing. The frame of the revolver features the two line patent marking followed by "U.S." Includes correct US Model 1881 Cavalry holster.

Very good plus, crisp attractive brown patina overall characteristic of period use, strong traces of original blue finish visible in the protected areas of the ejector rod, small traces of original blue finish in other protected areas, 80% blue finish on the replacement hammer, moderate pitting at the muzzle, light pitting on the cylinder, and some period dings on the butt characteristic of use for tack-driving. The markings remain distinct. The grip is fine with a nice cartouche, some light handling marks, and dings mostly concentrated on the left butt. Mechanically excellent. Included holster is good with mild age wear, extensive age related stress, and cracking overall. This early production U.S. Ainsworth inspected Cavalry Colt Single Action Army revolver certainly has some stories to tell, and would make a fine addition to any U.S. Military or Colt cavalry collection!