The 1989 dated factory letter lists this fabulous revolver in .38 caliber with a 4 1/2 inch barrel, nickel finish, pearl grips, and factory engraving and indicates it was the sole gun of this type shipped to Steven Rogers on February 21, 1882. No address was available for Rogers. The revolver's back strap is inscribed "W.G. MATHEWS". While researching the revolver, Brig Pemberton found Insp. W.G. Mathews who was the Riding Master of Royal Canadian Mounted Police in the 1880s and had formerly served in the 3rd Hussars. Additional records indicate that Sergeant-Major William George Mathews/Matthews was made the Riding Master of the 3rd Hussars on July 13, 1867, and served with the unit on the staff in India. He is credited in "The Royal Canadian Mounted Police 1873-1987" by Ross and May with producing the first of the RCMP's famous Musical Rides in 1887. A RCMP badge/pin is included. The revolver features stunning factory scroll engraving with beaded backgrounds, "COL D.A. 38" is inscribed in a scroll on the left side of the barrel, "Nimschke star" accents, beaded borders, and shell accents. The engraving even extends to the back of the hammer. The scrollwork is particularly fine and includes interlacing designs and extends seamlessly from the frame and on the trigger guard and back strap. The style is somewhat different than the typical factory engraving but is similar to the engraving on Colt 1877 sn. 12521 which also featured a factory inscription. Given the time period and the quality of the engraving, it was likely completed by Cuno A. Helfricht. The barrel has a round "half-moon" blade front sight and the two-line address. The left side of the frame has a partial patent marking, and the left side of the trigger guard features the "VP" proof at the front and "38 CAL" on the rear. Matching serial numbers are visible on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The revolver features smooth pearl grips, nickel finish on the major components, and niter blued hammer and trigger. Provenance: The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection

Very fine with crisp engraving, 90% plus original nickel, bright niter blue on the trigger and back of the hammer, some minor flaking mainly on the cylinder, and generally only light age and storage related wear. The grips are also very fine and have attractive natural colors and a few light scratches. Mechanically excellent. Overall, this is a stunning factory engraved and inscribed Colt Lightning revolver.