From its inception and beyond its introduction in 1877, the .44-40 W.C.F. Single Action Army was intended to be used in conjunction with another legendary Western icon, the Winchester Model 1873 rifle, which was chambered in the same cartridge. "The .44-40 W.C.F. was added to the list of Colt calibers for use with the popular Winchester rifle of the same caliber," wrote Colt author David Brown. "This combination of a rifle and a six shooter using the same cartridge made it possible for their user to buy only one kind of ammunition, and he could carry 'fodder' for both guns in the same cartridge belt." These revolvers often saw many years of hard use in the unforgiving climate of the Western Frontier, making antique examples in high condition like this one incredibly scarce, eagerly snatched up by serious collectors, and rarely parted with. When this example was made (1893), much of the American West remained very much "wild" and it was shipped to St. Louis, the Gateway to the West. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped on September 29, 1893 to Simmons Hardware Co. of St. Louis, Missouri, with 4 3/4 inch barrel in .44-40 caliber, blue finish, and type of stocks not listed. The shipment was for fifty guns. The top of the barrel has the standard two-line address and the iconic Frontier Six Shooter marking on the left. The left side of the frame has the standard two-line patent dates followed by an encircled Rampant Colt. The matching serial number is on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The assembly number "746" is stamped inside the loading gate. Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection