This revolver is a high condition example of a Colt Cavalry Model revolver that was modified to "Artillery" configuration. 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. The revolver has mixed numbers and components typical of the Artillery variants. The frame ("120181") dates to 1887 and carries "DFC" sub-inspector initials. Both the trigger guard and back strap have the no. "113729", which dates to 1884. The back strap has the desirable sub-inspector initial "A" for Orville W. Ainsworth. The unnumbered cylinder has sub-inspector Rinaldo A. Carr's "RAC" initials on the rear face. The revolver had the back strap renumbered to match the trigger guard and the cylinder replaced at the time of refurbishment. Sub-inspector Carr's "RAC" initials also appear twice on the bottom of the grip and as a script letter cartouche on the right side of the grip. The top of the barrel has the one-line Colt Hartford address and the underside of the barrel has a dual stamped "P." The left side of the frame is stamped with the three-line patent dates followed by "US."

Exceptionally fine retaining 90% plus Colt refurbished blue finish with holster type wear on the ejector rod housing, cylinder drag lines and some thinning to brown on the grip straps. 80% of the case colors remain on the hammer and frame. The grips are very fine with three light period applied scratches visible on the right side, some high edge wear, some scattered handling marks, and crisp "RAC" cartouche. Mechanically excellent.