This early U.S. contract Cavalry Model Colt Single Action Army was manufactured in 1874, sub-inspected by Orville W. Ainsworth, and falls in the serial number range (7528-8652) of 1,000 Cavalry Models issued to the 5th, 8th, and 9th Cavalries. In his accompanying letter of authentication, noted Colt expert and author John Kopec stated the revolver falls between nos. 7549 and 7640 known to have been issued to the 5th Cavalry. The 5th Cavalry was stationed throughout the Arizona Territory, was issued 502 Cavalry Models, and received their initial Cavalry Models from lot 8 (nos.7528-8657) during the 3rd quarter of 1874 (July-September). In the letter Kopec also addressed the ejector rod and housing: "This non-factory added assembly appears to have been affixed to this revolver during its early frontier days. It was not added during its military life because spare ejector assemblies were available from the Ordnance Department. We believe that this very colorful and totally functionally repair was accomplished at some remote western outpost by a truly capable blacksmith or frontier gunsmith. This unique repair could therefore certainly add to the ambiance of this unique revolver for the western artifact collector." Other points of interest include the original main spring, polished cylinder pin and "old contemporary replacement" cylinder pin screw. Kopec also examined the accompanying U.S. M1881 holster. The holster has the Rock Island Arsenal stamping along with the inspector initials and the number "33A" on the flap. The revolver has matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The ejector rod housing was not removed for verification of the barrel number. The barrel has the correct one-line Hartford address. Ainsworth's "A" initial and "P" proof appear on the underside of the barrel and cylinder. An additional Ainsworth "A" initials are found on the trigger guard and back strap. The frame has the early two-line, two-date patent marking followed by "U. S." on the left. Also included in a letter from Randy Satchwell, owner of Retro Firearms of Petoskey, Michigan, explaining the chain of ownership from the Garber family until it was sold to Retro Firearms in 2022. The seller, Ralph Garber, stated the revolver belonged to his great grandfather, James Noble Garber Sr., who originally lived in Ohio before settling in Michigan. Provenance: James Noble Garber Family; Property of a Gentleman

Good as a U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Revolver that spent a lifetime in military and civilian service. From its classic weathered, well used appearance to its frontier repairs, this revolver has all the hallmarks of a well traveled sidearm in a hostile environment. Action needs work. The holster is good with clear arsenal markings. A true survivor of the Western frontier, this U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Revolver certainly has a story to tell!