US Ainsworth Inspected Colt SAA Cavalry S/N: 785 7.5″ 45 1874

U.S. Ainsworth Inspected Colt Single Action Cavalry Revolver with Three Digit Serial Number Manufacturer: Colt Model: Single Action Army Type: Revolver Gauge: 45 Long Colt Barrel: 7 1/2 Inch Finish: blue/case-hardened Grip: walnut Class: Antique This is an early production example of a U.S. Contract Colt Single Action revolver that was manufactured in 1874. This early Cavalry Model revolver has the small "A" inspection marks on Ordnance Sub-Inspector Orville W. Ainsworth stamped on the barrel, trigger guard and cylinder and the script initials "OWA" in a rectangle on the lower left side of the grip. The revolver has the early style cylinder with small locking stops, early barrel with hole for the ejector housing boss and early mainspring which lacks the hammer roller channel. The ejector housing has the "bull's-eye" ejector head. The barrel has the first style script address: "+COLT'S PT. F. A. Co. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.+" with slanted crosses at either end. The underside of the barrel is stamped with the "A" sub-inspection mark followed by a "P" proof mark and the serial number. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the early Colt "two-date/two-line" patent markings followed by the "U.S." property mark. The side of the cylinder is stamped with the "A" sub-inspection marks and a "P" proofmark. An "H" Colt inspection mark is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder and a "C" Colts inspection mark is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole. The serial number, "785", is re-stamped on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. All of the serial numbers match. Condition Good. The restored revolver has a smooth, silver-gray patina. The revolver has several replacement parts. The ejector housing is a second pattern replacement and lacks the hole for the boss. The loading gate is not stamped with an assembly number. Replacement restamped to match barrel. The grip screws are modern replacements. The restamped "OWA" inspection mark on the left side of the grip is crisp. The butt of the grip is not stamped with the "A" sub-inspection mark. The restamped markings on the barrel and cylinder are clear. The action is crisp and functions fine. The grip is in in very good condition with moderate handling wear and a small repair at the front edge of the left heel. This is a solid representative example of an early three digit number, Ainsworth-inspected Colt Single Action Cavalry revolver.