There are few firearms that exude the character, grit, and style of the American frontier like the Colt Single Action Army revolver. The revolver found itself almost immediately popular as a sidearm upon its release in 1873, and that popularity continued well into the 20th century among those with a desire for unwaveringly reliable firepower. This documented factory engraved example with factory carved pearl grips displays a certain flair that is often associated with the "Wild West", having the look of a gun that is not hard to imagine in the hand of a flamboyant Texas gunslinger. Adding credence to this revolver's potential former life, is the fact that the included factory letter lists it as having shipped on December 26, 1890, to E.C. Meacham Arms of St. Louis, Missouri, the gateway to the West. This was a single gun shipment. Along with the shipment information, the factory letter confirms the 7 1/2 inch barrel in .45 caliber, nickel finish, factory engraving, and carved ox head motif grip with type of grip material not listed. On page 335 in the "The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1873-1895," the author accounted for only 258 factory engraved SAAs in the 1-164100 serial number range with a 7 1/2 inch barrel in .45 caliber. The authors also noted that in 1890, when this revolver was shipped, Colt sold 2,218 SAAs with only 4 revolvers with a 7 1/2 inch barrel featuring factory engraving (page 233). The profuse deluxe engraving is indicative of the classic Wild West style of Colt Master Engraver Cuno Helfricht and his shop. Fan patterns decorate the recoil shield, loading gate, and behind the hammer. The cylinder is decorated with zig-zag line and dot motifs along with flourishes of scrollwork on each chamber. Zig-zag line and dot patterns cover the top strap. The back strap has a blank inscription panel flanked by additional zig-zag line and dot patterns. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top and "45 COLT" in a banner on the left side amongst the scrollwork. The two-line patent date marking is stamped on the left side of the frame. The revolver wears a set of pearl grips with a relief ox head carved on the right panel. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap.

Very good displaying the grit and grime of an SAA that spent a lifetime of service in a challenging environment proving that not all art hangs on the wall with traces of original nickel plating in the protected areas and heavier amounts of original nickel on the underside of the barrel. The slightly oversize grips are also very good showing similar "working gun" character from spending time in the hand and a few chips. Mechanically excellent. A documented factory engraved and relief carved pearl stocked Colt Single Action Army Revolver with a story to tell!