Colt introduced the .41 Colt caliber to its famed Single Action Army revolver line in 1885. Colt author David Brown passionately summarized the .41 Colt caliber's alluring image as: "The .41s were favorites in the West among men who wanted something a bit less husky than the .45 or the .44-40, yet something still dependable for man-stopping power at short ranges. The lawmen for the most part, clung to the bigger bores; but several famous outlaws are known to have liked the .41 Colts" (see "The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army," p. 146). Among First Generation Single Action Army revolvers, only 16,402 left the factory chambered for .41 Long Colt compared to 150,683 in .45 Colt, making it comparably scarce. This example was manufactured in 1890 and has a classic look of a well seasoned sidearm that spent a lifetime carried at the hip of its previous owner. The barrel has the two-line Hartford address on top and "41 COLT" on left side. The frame has the three-line patent date marking. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration (grips not listed) as well as shipment to Simmons Hardware Co. in St. Louis on 23 August 1890. Simmons Hardware, like many St. Louis arms distributors, was the final stop for many Single Action Army revolvers before heading farther west to the frontier. Includes a lightly tooled leather holster.

Fine, retains 40% plus of the original blue finish and 25% of the original case colors in sheltered areas with the balance mostly the smooth grey patina of a holstered, trusted sidearm. There are light vise marks on the sides of the barrel, likely from period frontier maintenance. The grips are also fine with some scattered light handling marks and otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The holster is fine with some mild wear.