COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY (CAVALRY) - U.S. MILITARY CONTRACT Description
the Colt SAA was the primary sidearm of the U.S. military forces between 1873 and 1892. While frequently called the "cavalry" model, this revolver was carried by non-commissioned officers in the regular army and the state militias, and issued to each man in the mounted units. A total of 37,063 were purchased by the U.S. government at an average cost of $12.50 each. Contract specifications called for 7 ½ in. barrel, .45 Colt caliber, government blue and color case hardened finish (a softer blue color compared to the darker and more brilliant civilian finish, which required a higher polish and was therefore more expensive), and one-piece, oil finished walnut grips. Each gun was stamped with the initial(s) of a U.S. ordnance principal sub-inspector and finally, with the letters "U.S." on the frame after being approved for delivery to the National Armory at Springfield, MA.
Examples displaying their original inspector's grip cartouches will command a premium. Beware of fakes! All inspector's cartouche stamps are being replicated today.
