Manufactured in 1938, the .357 Magnum was the last cartridge adapted to the Single Action Army before production was shut down for WWII, with only 525 produced. As the .357 was a new cartridge at the time, the market for revolvers chambered for it consisted of early adaptors with a need for state of the art firepower, making it virtually a custom item. Equipped with blade front and notch rear sights, with the one line address on top of the barrel and "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .357" on the left side. The left side with the frame is marked with the two-line, three-patent dates followed by the Rampant Colt. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame and on the right side of the grip straps under the grip. The rear face of the cylinder carries the matching last two digits, "71". The matching assembly number "282" is marked on the right rear of the frame and on the loading gate. "4/ VP" is marked on the left side of the trigger guard. Fitted with fancy checkered walnut grips with silver Colt medallions. The grips are numbered to another gun and have the date "4-18-82", initials on one and name on the other. The accompanying factory letter advises that a complete record is unavailable, however it's known that the revolver was assembled October 20, 1938 and delivered to the Shipping Room October 31, 1938 as a .357 Magnum revolver. Provenance: The Gateway Collection

Excellent. The revolver retains 97% plus original blue finish with some minor muzzle and edge wear, some minor scratches on the cylinder and a couple of minor dings. The frame retains 95% original case colors with some fading to a dove gray. The grips are also excellent with sharp checkering. The markings are crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent.