Colt Single Action Army Artillery Model .45 Colt, 1st Generation U.S. Model 1873, 5.5 Inch, U.S. Arsenal Rebuild
This Colt Single Action Army is a U.S. Model 1873 Artillery Model in .45 Colt, a 1st Generation revolver originally accepted in 1880 under D.F.C. inspection and later rebuilt by a U.S. arsenal into the 5.5 inch Artillery configuration with R.A.C. reinspection circa 1895-1903.
It retains key U.S. military attributes, including a U.S. frame stamp, R.A.C. sub-inspector marks, and a 1903 ordnance cartouche on the walnut grips, with classic blued and color case-hardened finishes.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Surfaces show age-consistent handling marks typical of a U.S. arsenal-rebuilt revolver.
What's Included
- Colt Single Action Army Artillery Model revolver chambered in .45 Colt
This U.S. Army contract revolver began service life in 1880 with D.F.C. inspection and later underwent the U.S. arsenal Artillery conversion to a 5.5 inch barrel. It carries the expected mix of numbered components from the rebuild process, with R.A.C.
reinspection and sub-inspector marks confirming the period work and military stewardship.
Military markings are extensive and clear: U.S. frame stamp, D.F.C. inspector mark from original acceptance, R.A.C. sub-inspector marks from the rebuild era, and a 1903 U.S. ordnance cartouche on the walnut grips.
The frame shows the three-line patent legend, and the barrel bears the one-line Hartford address.
Configuration is the classic Artillery pattern with a 5.5 inch barrel, fluted six-shot cylinder, and fixed sights consisting of a front fixed blade and a topstrap notch rear. The ejector housing uses the round-button head, and the base pin is retained by a transverse spring latch.