U.S Artillery 5 1/2" 45 Colt Old Model Frame Standard Blue Finish

U.S. Artillery Model 45 Colt, 5 1/2" Barrel, Old Model, Forged Steel and Color Case Hardened, One Piece Walnut stock, High Polish Blue Finish. In 1895 the Indian wars were over and the 1873 U.S. Gov't Models (Cavalry models) were in a state of disrepair. They were returned to the factory or to Springfield Arsenal to be refurbished. There the barrels were shortened to 5 1/2" from 7 1/2" and worn parts replaced. They are inspected by Rinaldo A. Carr and returned to service. Many of these firearms saw action in the Spanish-American war of 1898. Most were issued to artillery batteries and became known as the Artillery Model. In 1898 the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry was formed under the command of Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt. This group of gallant young cowboys from all parts of the American west, were recruited at the Menger Hotel bar in San Antonio and trained at Camp Wood, Texas. They carried more than 100 of these Artillery Models in the charge up San Juan Hill. Original Artillery Models retain the inspector marks from their previous life as a cavalry model as well as the inspector marks added prior to being reissued as Artillery Models. The Cimarron replica Artillery Models are marked the same as the original.