Buffalo Soldier's Colt Single Action Army 1873 US Artillery 1885 Antique

The revolver in question has been authenticated and identified as a Colt U.S. Artillery revolver with several noteworthy historical details. The letter from John A. Kopec, an authority on Colt firearms, states that the revolver's frame dates back to 1885 and was originally part of a U.S. Cavalry revolver series inspected by David F. Clark. The trigger guard bears a serial number from 1875, associated with revolvers issued to the U.S. Seventh Cavalry and potentially linked to post-Custer Battle reissued examples. The backstrap, serial-numbered to 1881, was part of a cavalry revolver and was refurbished during the Spanish-American War era.

The barrel and cylinder of this revolver were replaced during a refurbishing process at the Colt factory, marked with the initials "RAC" for Rinaldo A. Carr, an ordnance inspector. These components bear no serial numbers and represent later additions. The revolver's grips, believed to be original, have been narrowed over time, resulting in the removal of inspector cartouches. This suggests the revolver underwent extensive refurbishment between 1900 and 1903, including adjustments to its appearance and functionality.

The bore is light gray. The rifling is well defined. There is moderate erosion and pitting in the bore.

The revolver retains faint patent marks and a "DFC" stamp on the frame, indicating its original inspection by David F. Clark. Despite its extensive history, the revolver shows traces of its blue finish on the trigger guard and backstrap, consistent with Colt factory refurbishments during the early 1900s. It exhibits a gray patina overall, indicative of its age and use, with no signs of further refinishing beyond the Colt factory work.

In conclusion, this Colt U.S. Artillery revolver represents a remarkable piece of American history, encompassing military issuance, refurbishment, and personal use by a Buffalo Soldier. Its combination of historical provenance, physical condition, and association with key historical figures and events make it a highly desirable artifact for collectors and historians alike.