Colt Cavalry Model SAA - 323

This U.S. Contract Single Action Cavalry Model revolver manufactured in 1884 and inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector David F. Clark (DFC) and Ordnance Inspector Capt. Frank Heath. Recently, noted Colt historian and author John Kopec examined this revolver. In his accompanying letter of authentication, Kopec states the revolver was previously listed in his database and falls between nos. 112084 (a 4 ½ inch barreled buy back) and 120190 (Cavalry Model). As the revolver remains in Cavalry Model configuration, Kopec believed the revolver was issued to a state militia and noted that the barrel had been stretched. The revolver has a military blue finish on the barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap with color casehardened frame, hammer and loading gate. The one-piece walnut grip is oil finished. The ejector rod head is the early "bullseye" pattern and the hammer is the "cavalry" style with elongated bordered knurling on the frame and cone-shaped firing pin. The "D.F.C." sub-inspection mark is stamped on the underside of the barrel, frame, the side of the cylinder and the left grip heel. A "P" proof mark is stamped on the underside of the barrel above the sub-inspection mark and on the side of the cylinder. The Colt "O", "S," and "J" inspection marks are stamped on the barrel behind the ejector rousing stud, a "1" and "S" are stamped on the rear face of the cylinder and a "H" is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole. A "G" is stamped below the serial number on the trigger guard and back strap. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the elongated block letter address "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in one line. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt three date/three line patent markings followed by the "U.S." property mark. The inside of the loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "552". The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number, "2087" is stamped on the barrel beneath the ejector housing and on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The lower left side of the grip is stamped with the date "1884" above the encircled script initials "FH" of the Ordnance final inspector. The lower right side of the grip is stamped with the script initials "DFC" in a rectangle.

Condition: Very fine. The revolver retains 75% of the original blue and 60% casehardened finish. The ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap show moderate edge wear and the stretched barrel retains most of the military blue finish on the rear portion, balance of front being professionally restored. The frame, hammer and loading gate have 85% of the original casehardened finish with strong case colors and some scattered nicks and dings overall. The frame screws retain most of the niter blue finish. The Colt markings on the barrel and frame are sharp. The grip is very fine with clear date and inspection marks. The action functions fine, although the hammer will not hold at half-cock. This is a solid representative example of a David F. Clark/Capt. Frank Heath inspected Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver.