The included copy of a factory letter lists this revolver in .45 caliber with a blue finish when sold as part of a batch of 100 guns to the U.S. Government and delivered to the inspector at the Colt plant on November 11, 1876. The January 14, 2022, letter from John Kopec notes that this revolver was inspected by Lieutenant David A. Lyle and sub-inspectors John T. Cleveland and Lewis Draper. The barrel and cylinder were inspected by John T. Cleveland. Lyle's cartouche under "1876" is on the left side of the grip, and Cleveland's cartouche is on the right. Nothing was found in the National Archives records related to this revolver. The original Cavalry configuration and the "8" rack position number on the upper right side of the grip suggests the revolver may have been issued to a state militia per Kopec, possibly one of the 27 revolvers issued to the states in 1877. He also notes that Lyle found many 1876-77 revolvers to have had barrel to cylinder alignment issues which led to many of these barrels having mismatching barrels or cylinders. The barrel of this revolver has "1560" (from revolver sn. 31560, a condemned revolver extant today). "The fact that our subject revolver is fitted with the barrel from this condemned revolver really tells the story of these dramatic events," writes Kopec. The revolver has blade and groove sights, "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A." on the top of the barrel, "P" and "J.T.C." on the bottom of the barrel, "C/G" and "1560" under the ejector housing, "S" on the underside of the ejector housing, "PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871/PAT. JULY. 2. 1872" and "U.S." on the left side of the frame, "L.D." and "32266" on the bottom of the frame, "2266" and "J.T.C." on the sides of the cylinder, "S" and "O" on the rear of the cylinder, "H" in the hammer well, assembly number "5763" on the loading gate, "32266" on the trigger guard and back strap, and the noted "1876" and "DAL" cartouche on the left side of the grip and "8" and "JTC" cartouche on the right.

Very good with a small amount of original blue finish in the protected areas mainly on the barrel near and under the ejector housing, smooth brown patina on the balance, some moderate pitting mainly on the muzzle and the cylinder, a correct replacement ejector spring installed by Kopec (incorrect spare included), fine original screws, and general moderate overall wear. The grip is also very good with hammering marks and a chip on the bottom, small divot on the right side, mild edge wear, and light markings. The loading and full cock notches need work, but the revolver is otherwise mechanically fine.