This early production, three digit serial number 730 U.S. contract Colt Single Action Army revolver was manufactured in 1873 and was sub-inspected by O.W. Ainsworth. The revolver was recently examined by noted Colt historian and author John Kopec and he recorded his observations in his accompanying gold seal letter of authentication. The revolver was a new listing to Kopec's survey and falls between nos. 725 (Cavalry Model) and 731 (Artillery Model) in this database. It was originally part of Lot One (nos. 177-1191), revolvers that were received at the Springfield National Armory on November 28, 1873 and mostly issued to the 10th Cavalry. In 1895, the revolver was returned to the Colt factory and was part of the initial group of 800 refurbished revolvers issued to the State of New York. Per Kopec, the revolver left the Colt factory for the second time on October 4, 1895. Kopec noted 1895 modifications: improving the cylinder bolt stops, replacement grip with Rinaldo A. Carr's "RAC" sub-inspector initials, and loading gate and frame applied with a bin number as part of the case coloring process. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the early Colt two-line patent marking followed by a "U.S." property mark. The barrel has a blade front sight and is roll-stamped with the "script" address "+COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.+." The correct first type ejector housing has the "bullseye" ejector bottom. The underside of the barrel is stamped with the matching serial number (correctly exposed), a small Ainsworth "A" sub-inspection mark and "P" proof mark. The cylinder also has the matching serial number and "P" proof mark. Another small Ainsworth "A" sub-inspection mark is found on the trigger guard. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, and barrel.

Fine as Colt factory refurbished in 1895. The barrel and ejector rod housing retain 30% of the blue finish, the cylinder retains 20% of the blue in the flutes, the grip straps retain 20% of the blue finish, and the frame and hammer retain patches of case colors in the protected areas with the balance a mix of smooth gray and brown patina and some pitting mostly on the cylinder. The grip is very fine with some high edge wear and some very scattered handling marks. Mechanically functions but hammer has only three clicks.