The factory letter indicates this revolver was originally part of a 200 gun shipment delivered to the U.S. inspector at Colt on September 13, 1878. At that time, it would have been in "Cavalry Model" configuration with a 7 1/2 inch barrel and matching parts. The letter goes on to note that this revolver was returned to Colt for refurbishing and left as an "Artillery Model" when it was delivered to the inspector at Colt on January 31, 1896. It was also returned for further refurbishing in delivered a final time to Springfield Armory on August 21, 1903. This indicates this revolver likely had a long service life in the late 19th century and early 20th century, including likely use in its current configuration in the Spanish-American War and/or Philippine-American War and after it was sold off as surplus. It has a blade front sight, "COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.-" on top of the barrel, early style ejector with "bullseye" button, "P" and "R.A.C." on the bottom of the barrel ahead of the cylinder pin, the three-line patent marking and "U S" on the left side of the frame, "H.N." and "47641" on the bottom of the frame, "113458" and "G" at the front of the trigger guard, "6690" on the back strap at the toe, "R.A.C." on the rear of the cylinder, "6394" on the loading gate, "S" above the firing pin hole, small "A" behind the hammer, "1903" over a boxed "RAC" cartouche on the right side of the grip and "R.A.C." on the butt to each side of the back strap.