Colt Single Action Army U.S. Army “Artillery” Model – 1874 .45 Colt

Colt – Single Action Army “Artillery” Model

Manufactured: 1874 – Caliber: .45 Colt – Early historical production

This early-production Colt Single Action Army, manufactured in 1874 and subsequently converted to the U.S. Army “Artillery” configuration, is documented by serial number within a range associated with the 5th U.S. Cavalry. Retaining its military markings and significant original finish, it represents an interesting survivor from the early years of the Colt SAA's military service.

History

By the late 1890s, it had become apparent that the original long barrel of the Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army, issued to U.S. Army cavalry regiments, was not always practical for mounted and field service. Many revolvers were therefore recalled for inspection and arsenal refurbishment, during which their 7½-inch barrels were commonly shortened to approximately 5½ inches.

The resulting configuration became commonly known among collectors as the “Artillery Model”, although these revolvers were subsequently issued to a variety of military units and militia organizations rather than exclusively to artillery units.

During the arsenal refurbishment process, many revolvers were fitted with replacement parts without regard to their original serial numbers, creating the mismatched configurations frequently encountered today. Original, matching early military revolvers that retained their historical configuration are consequently among the most desirable examples for collectors of U.S. martial Colts.

These revolvers remained chambered for the .45 Colt black-powder cartridge, the standard military cartridge of the original Model 1873.

Our Revolver

According to the reference research of John Kopec, serial number 68XX falls within a documented serial range associated with the 5th U.S. Cavalry, a regiment that saw extensive service throughout the American Indian Wars on the Frontier. The surrounding serial numbers further support this documented association, adding significant historical interest to this particular revolver.

Manufactured in 1874, this Colt belongs to the earliest production of the Single Action Army and was produced during the first U.S. government contract awarded to Colt for the Model 1873. During its military service, the revolver was subsequently arsenal-refurbished into the “Artillery” configuration, a common procedure intended to extend the service life of the early military Colts. Several components were replaced during this process, including the barrel, which bears the R.A.C. military inspector's marking. The hammer was replaced at a later date. The metal surfaces nevertheless retain substantial areas of their original finish and remain in excellent overall condition. The original Colt markings remain sharp and consistent with the period, as do the “U.S.” military markings and the R.A.C. inspector's marks, all of which remain clearly visible. Serial numbers are present on the principal numbered components of the revolver, including the frame and cylinder.

Mechanically, the revolver is in very good operating condition, with no noticeable barrel-to-cylinder gap. The four characteristic Colt clicks are clearly defined, the hammer cocks positively, the trigger pull is smooth and cylinder timing is precise, with only slight rotational play. The 5½-inch .45 Colt barrel retains a bright bore with sharp, deep rifling, reflecting its good state of preservation.

The revolver is fitted with a wooden grip bearing an unidentified marking, but which remains visually and dimensionally consistent with the overall configuration of the firearm.

This early U.S. Army Colt Single Action Army, subsequently converted to Artillery configuration, represents a significant survivor from the era of the American Indian Wars and the early military service of the Peacemaker.

The revolver is accompanied by its official French National Proof House (Saint-Étienne) Category D classification certificate.