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The revolver has the early style bullseye ejector rod head and cavalry style hammer with
elongated bordered knurling on the spur. The top of the barrel has the roll stamped one-line
Colt Hartford address. The underside of the barrel is stamped with a “P” proof mark and the U.S.
Ordnance sub-inspector initials “DFC.” The left side of the frame is stamped with the Colt three-
date/three-line patent marking followed by the “US” property mark. “DFC” is stamped on the
bottom of the frame above the serial number. A “P” proof mark and “DFC” sub-inspector mark are
stamped on the cylinder. The full matching serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard,
and back strap. The matching partial serial number “4172” appears on the cylinder and barrel. The
left side of the grip is stamped with the date of inspection (“1884”) above the final inspection
mark which consists of the script initials “FH” for Captain Frank Heath. The right side of the grip
is stamped with script sub-inspector initials “DFC”. The small “DFC” mark is stamped on the left
grip heel. The U.S. M1881 holster features two snap holes on the flap in order to accommodate
the S&W Schofield and the Colt Cavalry Model revolvers. The flap is marked “S.S&W” and “C” to
denote the correct hole for either revolver on the interior. The exterior of the flap is marked
“ROCK ISLAND/ARSENAL” along with “DCL” sub-inspector initials and “JM” initials.
CONDITION: Excellent. The barrel and ejector rod housing retain 95% plus original blue finish,
the cylinder retains 95% plus original blue finish, and the grip straps retain 90% original blue
finish with thinning to brown on the balance. The frame and hammer retain 97% plus original
case colors. The grip is also excellent with a few handling marks legible “DFC” cartouche and
crisp date and “FH” cartouche. Mechanically excellent. The holster is exceptionally fine with most
of the original finish, wear visible on the belt loop. Both an outstanding and well preserved U.S.
Colt Cavalry Model revolver with holster that will be a worthy addition to any SAA or U.S. military
collection no matter how advanced.
Estimate: 75,000 - 110,000
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