Exceptional "Rough Rider" U.S. Colt Artillery Single Action Revolver and Holster. Serial no. 116152 [matching on frame, cylinder, triggerguard and butt], .45 caliber, 5 1/2-inch barrel. Barrel address reads: COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. Blued finish. Case-hardened hammer and frame. Fire-blued trigger. Left side of frame with standard U.S. markings. Cylinder with Colt factory-added 11 ahead of 6152. Hammer recess in frame with G  inspector stamp. Triggerguard and butt stamped: G; one piece walnut grips, the left side with faint cartouche of Capt. Frank Heath under 1885 date. Sold together with original M1881 pattern black leather flap holster shortened to accommodate this early artillery revolver. Outer flap with hand-cut CR/K and Rock Island arsenal cartouche. Body of holster embossed with US. Under the flap in period black ink is the name, "Rockland Colton Reed"  and the stamped letters reading, "HSVC."

Colton Reed was a trooper in Company K in Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders. His unit saw action at Guasimas, Kettle Hill and San Juan Hill. He mustered out with the rest of his regiment in Montauk, NY in September of 1898. He is buried in the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California.

Accompanying the lot is a Letter of Authentication by John Kopec and a notarized statement from the consignor detailing the transfer from the Colton Reed family. According to Kopec, this Artillery model Colt is traceable back to its original Cavalry configuration and is a unique example of the Colt issued 1896 Artillery revolver.

Condition: Excellent. Retaining approximately 80-90% arsenal finish from the 1895 Colt's factory refurbishing. Of note, the barrel retains approximately 80% of its Charcoal blue. According to Kopec, this is one of ten Artillery Model Colts whose barrels were replaced at the factory and thus have no serial numbers or sub-inspector's marks. The bore is excellent. The barrel and ejector rod housing each have a patch of light pitting with gray patina. Holster is excellent with moderate crackling at flap closure and crease. Both the holster and the revolver are superb, well-preserved examples.