Antique Colt SAA Cavalry Revolver - Ainsworth Inspected 1874 Mfg.

This revolver is an early (1874) Ainsworth inspected Cavalry Colt that was nickel-plated by the factory.
The revolver barrel has the correct first style "script" address, the first style ejector housing with barrel boss stud, correct early-style base pin, bullseye ejector rod head and first style cylinder with small bolt stops and guides. O.W. Ainsworth’s “A” inspector stamp is visible on (1) Top of the backstrap behind the hammer, (2) Trigger guard below the serial number, (3) Underside of the barrel near the ejector housing. The correct "P" proof mark is stamped on the underside of the barrel by the ejector tube, underneath the “A” inspector stamp. The full serial number “12054” is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and backstrap. The partial serial number “2054” is stamped beneath the ejector housing. The assembly or bin number “615” is stamped on the inside of the loading gate and on the frame underneath the trigger guard. The two-line patent date stamp the and “U.S.” stamp appear to have been buffed out, likely when Colt repurchased the revolver through the buy-back process and was nickeled. Although, as a “Buy-back” revolver, it is possible that the new owner ground away the patent dates and U.S. markings to disguise its initial government origin, if Colt had not previously removed the U.S. markings as a buy-back (It is unlikely that Colt would have removed the patent date stamp as well!) The revolver retains approximately 20% of the frosted nickeled finish throughout but heavier in protected areas such as under the ejector housing. The metal surfaces of this revolver are fair to good with some pitting on the cylinder and frame.
The bore is great. This is a chance to get an early 2nd model year very rare “Buy-back” nickel-plated Ainsworth-inspected Colt. A true piece of history!