This is an early Colt Model 1892 revolver in the 14,000 serial range.  It was privately puchased on the civilian market for a military unit as the bottomstrap is nicely engraved "74th Regiment, No. 3".  Contact with the Colt Archives revealed this particular revolver shipped in 1893 to Hartley and Graham of New York, NY.  Hartley and Graham had their own engravers and most likely did the inscription. We're fairly certain that this went to the 74th Regiment of the New York National Guard.  This revolver seems to follow a tradition with the 74th.  During the Civil War, they did the same thing by privately purchasing Model 1849 Colt Pocket revolvers inscribed with 74th Regimental markings.  Over the years, we've seen a couple examples but this is the first Colt DA we've encountered with this marking.  There is also the 74th Armory that is a rather notable landmark in Buffalo, NY.

Overall condition is NRA Antique Very Good with the metal showing 20% original blue with the balance worn to mostly a light grey patina.  Traces of fire blue on the back of the hammer and sides of the trigger.  Markings are all sharp and clear with 1884 and 1888 patent dates on the barrel.  Hard rubber grips are marked "COLT" with decent checkering that is a little worn. Solid with no chips, cracks, or repairs.  Action works both in single and double action modes. Very Good bore with strong rifling.  A nice solid example of a Model 1892 Colt with a very interesting unit inscription.  Also, I need to find it but this comes with a letter from the Colt Archives stating where and when it shipped.

Item# 0786

$1450