When introduced in 1877, the .44-40 W.C.F. Single Action Army, or Frontier Six Shooter, was intended to be used in conjunction with another legendary western icon, the Winchester Model 1873 rifle, which came standard in the same chambering. "The .44-40 WCF was added to the list of Colt calibers for use with the popular Winchester rifle of the same caliber," wrote Colt author David Brown. "This combination of a rifle and a six shooter using the same cartridge made it possible for their user to buy only one kind of ammunition, and he could carry 'fodder' for both guns in the same cartridge belt." Manufactured in 1898, this revolver certainly saw service on the Western Frontier, having been shipped to San Francisco, California. It has the standard one-line address on top of the barrel and "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" on the left. The left side of the frame is marked with the two-line patent dates followed by the circled Rampant Colt. Matching serial numbers are visible on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The assembly number "224" is marked inside the loading gate. 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. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration as well as shipment to Colt's San Francisco Agency on 12 July 1898 in a 20 gun shipment.

Fine, retains 60% of the original blue finish and 40% plus of the original case colors in sheltered areas with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina and scattered patches of light pitting on the barrel. The grips are very good, showing an attractive chocolate tone, moderate handling wear, and otherwise mostly well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.