The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver as one of 25 guns of this type in a shipment to Hartley & Graham in New York City on April 1, 1881 in .45 caliber with "Soft" finish, and barrel length and type of stock not listed, a common indication of 7 1/2 inch barrel and walnut stocks as these features were standard at this time. The remarks state, "The work 'soft' which appears with the finish indicates subject revolver was shipped without finial finishing for engraving outside our factory." The lower section of the frame has classic New York style floral scrollwork on punch dot background along with L.D. Nimschke's characteristic kidney motif around the hammer screw. The remainder of the frame is decorated with zig-zag line and dot patterns which continue on to the barrel, cylinder, and back strap. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address, the frame has the three-line patent dates marking, and the left side of the trigger guard is marked "45 CAL." The matching serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Per Wilkerson and Hoyt's "The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1873-1895" on page 98, "The first revolvers listed 'soft for engraving' went to Hartley & Graham on April 1 [1881]. The order was for 25 revolvers in .45 caliber and 25 in .44-40. All had 7 1/2 inch barrels." The authors noted that most of these revolvers such as this example were in the 68000 serial number range. This SAA is one of the first shipped in the soft by Colt.

Fine as a Colt factory "soft" shipped SAA period retailer engraved by Hartley & Graham. The frame, hammer, ejector rod housing, and trigger guard retain 70% of the period retailer nickel, otherwise the revolver has smooth gray patina and some pitting associated with a well traveled sidearm spending a lifetime in a challenging environment, proving that not all art hangs on the wall. The replacement barrel was engraved to match. The engraving is crisp. The slightly shrunken period grip is fine with some minor handling marks and typical age lines. Mechanically fine.