This early U.S. contract Cavalry Model Colt Single Action Army was manufactured in 1874 and sub-inspected by Orville W. Ainsworth. Although a factory letter is provided, there was no factory record found for this revolver. As explained in the letter, SAAs "numbered below 30,000 and sold to the U.S. Government during the period of 1873-1876 were lost or destroyed years ago and are not available." The serial number (4112) does fall within the range of 1,000 Cavalry Models (3421-4499) shipped to Rock Island Arsenal, IL and issued to the 2nd Cavalry (see "Colt Cavalry and Artillery Revolvers...a Continuing Study" by Kopec and Fenn, page 238). The revolver has matching serial numbers on the barrel, cylinder, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The 7 1/2 inch barrel has a blade front sight, italic "+ COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.+" barrel address with die break in the "o," and "P" and "A" on the bottom ahead of the cylinder pin. The frame has the early two-line, two-date patent marking followed by "U. S." on the left and "361" on the loading gate. The trigger guard and backstrap have Ainsworth's "A" mark ahead of the bow and behind the hammer respectively. The grip has no visible cartouches.

Fine. The barrel and ejector housing retain 40% original blue finish, slight traces of original blue remain on the trigger guard and back strap, noticeable traces of original blue remain in the cylinder flutes, and 30% original case colors remain on the forward portion of the frame, otherwise the revolver has a smooth gray patina. The grip is very good with high edge wear, slight chips at the toe, and some dings mostly on the bottom. Mechanically excellent. A solid representative example of a highly sought after early production, Indian Wars era Ainsworth inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Revolver.