The .44-40 WCF SAA has found a special place in the hearts of Peacemaker collectors. When introduced in 1877, the .44-40 WCF SAA was intended to be used in conjunction with another legendary Western icon, the Winchester Model 1873 Rifle, which used the same cartridge. As a factory engraved example, this Frontier Six Shooter is certainly one of the rarer and more highly sought after SAAs. In "The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1873-1895," the authors accounted for a grand total of only 421 factory engraved SAAs chambered in .44-40 WCF in the 1-164100 serial number range. Not only is this one of those rare factory engraved examples, it also has an interesting shipping history that is part of the Colt legacy. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped to Simmons Hardware Co. of St. Louis, Missouri, on February 10, 1883 as part of a ten gun shipment with a 5 ½ inch barrel in .44-40 caliber, nickel finish, factory engraving, and type of stocks not listed. The factory letter goes on to state, “Our records also indicate this gun was returned by the Simmons Hardware Co. on February 2, 1887 to have the barrel changed from 5 ½” to 4 ¾”. The gun was re-shipped to Simmons Hardware Co. on February 14, 1887. We are unable to explain the reason for the small letter ‘S’ being stamped with the serial number. No mention is made in the records regarding this mark.” Further details of the factory return are presented in “The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver, 1873-1895”: “Simmons Hardware was shipped a large order in February [1887] which included 17 engraved Frontier revolvers with 5 1/2” barrel. It is not known if Simmons changed their order or if a mistake was made at the factory, but all 17 engraved revolvers were subsequently returned to the factory and the barrels changed to 4 ¾”. Serial numbers of these revolvers were all in the 86000 to 90000 range” (page 169). It has been hypothesized that Simmons Hardware Co. marked the revolver with the letter “S” to indicate ownership and that these seventeen guns, which included this example, were originally store display samples that were eventually sold to the public with a 4 ¾ inch barrel because the shorter barrel length was a better seller. The revolver is decorated in classic scrollwork on punch dot background. The beautiful coverage displays scroll patterns along with fan patterns on the recoil shield, loading gate, and top of the back strap, zig-zag line geometric patterns on the ejector rod housing, top strap, cylinder, backstrap, butt, and trigger guard bow. The top of the barrel has the two-line Hartford address on top and the highly desirable “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” acid etched panel surrounded by engraved scrollwork. The underside of the barrel has the correct caliber designation “44” stamping in small font. The left side of the frame has the three-line patent dates marking. The revolver wears a set of pearl grips featuring a wonderful deep relief carved Mexican eagle on the right panel. The period grips are high quality, and likely introduced to the revolver by Simmons Hardware Co. where it was originally shipped to. The loading gate has the assembly number “5327.” The matching serial number along with the aforementioned letter “S” appears on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Provenance: The TTT Collection

Exceptionally fine, retaining 80% original nickel plating. The acid etched panel is legible. The engraving is crisp. The grips are excellent with a filled repair at the toe (left panel) and crisp carving. Mechanically excellent. A great piece of late 19th century Colt artistry that has a story to tell!