These Colt "Artillery Model" Single Action Army revolvers 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. In the included Colt factory letter it is noted the revolver was original sold to the U.S. Government, delivered to the U.S. Government Inspector at the Colt factory on December 8, 1876, as part of a 200 gun shipment, returned to the factory for Artillery Model refurbishment, and shipped to Springfield Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts on February 13, 1903, in a shipment of 150 guns. In the accompanying silver seal letter of authentication from noted Colt expert and author John Kopec, he mentions this revolver as listed in his survey falling between nos. 31668 (a Cavalry revolver) and 31684 (an Artillery revolver), and based on National Archives records for revolvers 31554 and 31890, states, "[T]here is a possibility that this revolver's frame while still affixed to its 'host' Cavalry revolver had also served with the Third Cavalry during the Indian Wars." The frame carries the U.S. ordnance sub-inspector initials "LD" for Lewis Draper. The trigger guard no. 6361 was sub-inspected by O.W. Ainsworth as his "A" initial is stamped under the serial number (appears double struck). The back strap serial number "6361" was reapplied by Colt during the refurbishing along with the partially scrubbed rack number on the butt. The cylinder is a 1903 Colt factory replacement (including cylinder pin) and has the sub-inspector Rinaldo A. Carr's "RAC" initials on the rear face. "RAC" initials are also stamped on the butt of the grip, and the right side of the grip has a very faint "RAC" cartouche. The barrel has the Colt factory re-rolled one-line Hartford address on top, has a U.S. Ordnance "P" stamped on the underside, and is numbered "1233." The ejector rod housing as "K" for the initial of Colt factory inspector A. Kind, indicating the ejector was from a 1890/91 production Cavalry Model. The left side of the frame has the two-line Colt patent dates marking followed by "U.S."

Very fine as Colt factory refurbished to Artillery Model. The barrel, ejector rod housing, and cylinder retain 85% of the blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. The grip straps retain 60% of the blue finish with a smooth gray patina on the balance. 60% of the case colors remain on the frame, strongest on the front sides. The refinished grip is fine with high edge wear and a few dings. Mechanically excellent. A highly attractive U.S. Colt Artillery Model Revolver authenticated by John Kopec.