Offered here is a John T. Cleveland (J.T.C.) inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Revolver that has been examined by noted Colt historian and author John Kopec. Kopec recorded his observations in the accompanying silver seal letter of authentication. It was manufactured in 1877 and the revolver was previously listed in Kopec's survey; falling between nos. 35039 (a New York militia revolver) and 35044 (a Cavalry Model). The nearest reference examples found in the National Archives records was nos. 34927 and 35095, which were both issued to Troop C, 5th Cavalry as of August 17th 1886. Because the revolver remains in Cavalry Model configuration, Kopec noted, "The chances therefore are very good that our subject revolver #35042 has also been among the 1878 militia issues." These militia revolvers were eventually returned to Springfield Armory and reclassified as surplus. The earliest surplus examples appeared in Frances Bannerman's 1903 catalog. Cataloged as "almost new", these surplus revolvers sold for $9.00 each. The barrel has the 2nd style (1877-1878) address. The left side of the frame has the three-line patent dates followed by "U.S." John T. Cleveland (J.T.C.) initials appear on the frame, barrel, cylinder, and bottom of grip. The "P" proof is found on the bottom of the barrel and cylinder. The grip has the date "1877" above the script letter "DAL" cartouche for David A. Lyle on the left side and Cleveland's script letter cartouche on the right side. As noted by Kopec, "The grips of this revolver show both ordnance inspector's cartouches and the year-date '1877' in perfect condition."

Fine as a survivor of the Indian Wars displaying an overall gray patina associated with spending a lifetime in a challenging environment, retaining 30% original blue finish and 40% original case colors in and around the protected areas. The grip is fine with crisp cartouches and date. Mechanically excellent. A fine documented example of a highly desirable J.T. Cleveland inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model revolver!