The Colt Single Action Army was one of the most popular handguns in late 19th century and is easily the most iconic and most thoroughly associated with the American West. Offered here is a fine, early example of the legendary Peacemaker in .45 LC. In the words of Colt author and expert David Brown, "The Colt Single Action Army .45 was 'the soldier's friend' throughout the remaining years of the Indian Wars in the West. Adopted also with equal enthusiasm by civilians, it was the pet and the 'good right arm' of lawman and outlaw alike on every American frontier of its era" ("The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army," p. 70). The top of the barrel has the single-line address and there is no marking on the left. The left side of the frame is marked with the three-line patent dates, and the caliber marking is on the left of the trigger guard ("45 CAL"). The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The matching partial serial number "100" appears on the barrel. The cylinder is unnumbered. The assembly number "1381" is on the loading gate. It is fitted with a blade front sight, frame top groove rear sight, and a smooth walnut one-piece grip. The accompanying factory letter confirms the blue finish and .45 caliber chamber (barrel length and stocks not listed, a common notation for 7 1/2 inches and walnut, respectively) as well as shipment to Hartley & Graham of New York City on October 11, 1880. This shipment was for 100 guns.

Fine. The barrel retains 70% bright original high polish blue finish with proper "feathered" polishing marks visible on both sides of the front sight. The ejector rod retains 40% original blue finish. Cylinder retains 40% original blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. The grip straps retain 60% original blue finish. The back strap has a spot of finish loss visible near the top. The frame retains mostly silvered out "shadows" of original case colors in the protected areas. The hammer retains 80% original case colors. The grip is very fine with some minor dings and scratches and much of the original varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent. A solid representative example of the legendary Colt Peacemaker in .45 LC!