This U.S. contract Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army was manufactured in 1883 and was later issued to the State of New York militia. The revolver is documented by serial number as a New York militia revolver in Kopec and Fenn's "Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers...a Continuing Study" on page 76. The U.S. Ordnance Sub-Inspector during the entire 1880s period was David F. Clark, and his initials "DFC" (faint) are found on the underside of the frame, underside of the barrel and side of the cylinder. A small U.S. Ordnance "P" is stamped on the underside of the barrel and side of the cylinder. The barrel is fitted with a period replacement blade front sight and has the one-line Colt Hartford address on top. The left side of the frame has the three-line patent date followed by "U.S." The left side of the grip is stamped "A/[illegible]416," likely New York militia markings. The bottom of the grip has U.S. Ordnance Sub Inspector Rinaldo A. Carr's "RAC" initials. These State of New York SAAs returned to the Colt factory in 1895 to be refurbished with the barrels not shortened and all serial numbers kept matching. Revolvers above serial number 10,000 were stamped at the Colt factory with the missing prefixed serial number digit or digits ahead of the existing four digit serial numbers on the barrel and cylinder. The barrel and cylinder on this example are correctly marked with the full matching serial number. Matching serial numbers are found on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, and barrel. A lanyard ring has been added to the butt.

Fine as refurbished by the Colt factory in 1895. The barrel and ejector rod housing retain 40% of the blue, the grip straps retain 30% blue, and the cylinder retains traces of blue in the flutes with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The front sight has been modified to a taller profile, and the rear sighting notch on frame has been modified. The frame retains 30% of the vivid case colors on the front sides. The grip is very good with a chip at the toe (right side) and some minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.