While Colt Single Action Army revolvers were often chambered for the same cartridges as Winchester's popular repeaters, they were not commonly chambered for cartridges by Smith & Wesson, their main competitors in the handgun market. This revolver is one of the exceptions, and a year prior to when this revolver shipped, Colt began switching to marking these revolvers "44 SPECIAL" which removed any mention of Smith & Wesson. It is one of only an estimated 506 Single Action Army revolvers manufactured for .44 S&W Special per "The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army" by David M. Brown. Manufactured in 1931, the included factory letter confirms the current configuration including the rare caliber (grips not listed), as well as shipment to Lou J. Eppinger Co. in Detroit, Michigan, maker's of the famous "Dardevle" fishing lure, on 17 June 1931. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard single-line address while the rare "RUSSIAN AND/S&W SPECIAL" followed by "44" marking is on the left. The standard two-line patent date marking and Rampant Colt are on the left of the frame, and "1/VP" is marked on the left of the trigger guard. The matching serial number is on the bottom of the frame and the right side of the grip straps, as well as faintly hand marked inside each grip panel. It is fitted with a blade front sight, groove rear sight, and a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colts at the tops.

Exceptionally fine, retains 85% of the bright, original, high polish blue finish and 95% plus of the vibrant original case colors with some light wear near the muzzle and thinning on the grip straps, and a few scattered light rub spots. The grips are very fine with a few scattered light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This is an exceptionally fine Colt Single Action Army revolver in a very scarce caliber!