The factory letter for this highly desirable factory nickel plated black powder Colt SAA revolver states it was shipped on August 25, 1877 to B. Kittredge & Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio with nickel plating and .45 caliber chambering. The barrel length and grips are not listed, a common indication of 7 1/2 inches and walnut. This shipment was for fifty guns. Factory nickel plated antique SAAs are rarely encountered and when found are generally well worn. This example, however, remains well above average condition retaining much of the original factory nickel plating. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top, and the left side of the frame has the three-line patent dates marking. "45 CAL" is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard. The period grips were likely fitted by Kittredge. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Includes a period slim Jim leather holster.

Very fine, retaining 75% untouched original nickel plating with brown-gray patina on the balance. The grips are also very fine with typical age lines and attractive mellow aged appearance. The action cycles, however the cylinder is slightly out of time and the hammer has only three clicks. The holster is very good with age cracking and overall tight stitching. A very pleasing and documented factory nickel plated black powder Colt SAA revolver from the Old West!