Offered here is an attractive Colt Artillery Model SAA. These arms were brought back into service during the Spanish-American War, Filipino-American War, and Moro Rebellion. Though nicknamed "Artillery Models," they were actually issued to a variety of U.S. Army units and particularly known to have been favored for use against the Moro warriors who were known to continue fighting after being shot with the weaker .38 caliber Colt double action revolvers also in use. The revolver has mixed numbers and components typical of the Artillery variants. The trigger guard no. 7238 falls into a serial number range of host guns issued to the 3rd and 7th Cavalries in 1874. The frame dates to 1884, was inspected by David F. Clark, and has the three-line patent marking followed by "U.S." on the left side. Clark's inspector initials are also found on the cylinder and barrel. The grip has the refurbishment "1901" date on the left side. Both sides of the grip feature clear script letter cartouches. The bottom left side of the grip is stamped with Rinaldo A. Carr's inspector initials "RAC." Includes a Rock Island U.S. flap holster. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was originally shipped on December 17, 1884 and delivered to the U.S. Army inspector at the Colt plant and returned to the factory on December 21, 1901 for refurbishment into an Artillery Model. Comes with paperwork related to when this revolver was sold to the consignor in 1972, including a letter of provenance stating that this Artillery Model was carried by a member of the U.S. Geological Survey working in Arkansas and in lower Florida in the early 20th century.

Exceptionally fine as Colt factory refurbished. 85% plus of the bright high polish blue finish remains on the barrel, ejector rod housing, cylinder and both grip straps with high edge wear and thinning to brown and gray on the balance. 60% of the case colors remain on the hammer and frame. The grip is very fine with some minor handling marks and legible cartouches. Mechanically excellent. The holster is very good with age cracking and overall tight stitching. An attractive U.S. Colt Artillery Model Revolver.