The Colt Single Action Army revolver is probably the most iconic firearm in history. It is an instantly recognizable handgun strongly associated with the late 19th century and early 20th century West. This revolver was manufactured in 1873, the first year of production. The revolver has the extremely desirable "pinched frame" rear sight found only on civilian Single Action Army revolvers below serial number 200 and government test model revolvers. Noted Colt historian and author Ron Graham has examined this revolver and his recorded his observations in his accompanying handwritten letter from 2012. In the letter, Graham proclaims no. 122 "the finest known, .45 Colt caliber, private collection, pinched frame Single Action that retains its first assembly factory original condition." The location of the serial number behind a cylinder flute indicates that the revolver was fully assembled after mid-August 1873. Based on Graham's research earlier assembled "pinched frame" guns featured the cylinder serial number on the front or rear face. Graham explained is one of the early "pinched frames" Colt manufactured prior to the July 23, 1873 contract, but not all frames were assembled into complete guns as seen with this example. Also on the cylinder is the number "1" on the rear face. The barrel serial number is correctly visible just ahead of the cylinder pin head, the correct italic one-line Hartford address with clipped "A" in Hartford, and a correct German silver blade front sight. The trigger guard has the first style caliber designation "45 CAL" on the left shoulder. The frame has the elongated hammer screw for attaching an included shoulder stock. These original hammer screws for attaching a stock are rare. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking (factory double struck). The early three digit serial number 122 appears on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, and barrel. The revolver wears a varnished one-piece walnut grip. The survival rate for these "pinched frames" was low with many reworked and in rough condition encountered by today's collectors. As Graham noted, "Fortunately, Colt collectors are still able to appreciate the survival of several excellent condition pinch frame revolvers. Of which, serial number 122 is probably the finest, factory unaltered, production pinched frame, Single Action Colt in private hands." The nickel plated brass skeletonized shoulder stock is included. Letters from Colt's London Agency show that the shoulder stock was sold as early as 1875. As an 1874 production example, this "pinched frame" suggests that shoulder stock production began as early as 1874. Unfortunately, factory records for serial no. 122 are unavailable. The nearly impossible to find skeleton stock is a prized collectible missing from even the most advanced SAA collections. The stock attaches to the revolver via a special extended hammer screw projecting from both sides of the frame. These rare stocks were offered as accessories, and there are no known records for how many were sold directly with Colt Single Action Army Revolvers, other than Buntline Specials. Knowledgeable collectors have concluded that a limited number were produced. Records and examples discussed in "A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolvers" (see pages 8, 12, and 50) demonstrate that these stocks were particularly popular in England. Two lengths of the skeletonized stock as well as additional extended frame screws were shipped to Colt's dealers in England in the mid-1870s. The attachable stock offered here lacks visible markings and has a nickel plated finish and a blued adjustment nut. The skeleton shoulder stock was shown at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition and an example was included on the Colt-Hartley & Graham display board of 1877. Serial no. 122 and its shoulder stock are pictured and identified in "A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver" on page 12 where it is cited, "Unquestionably one of the finest pre-Gov't Contract SAs. Documented evidence of Colt's skeletonized stock production exists for early 1874. This revolver-stock combination is physical evidence of probable earlier production." Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection; The Charles Marx Collection

Fine overall. The barrel and ejector rod housing retain 30% original blue finish, traces of original blue finish remain in the cylinder flutes, the grip straps retain 40% original blue finish, and the hammer and frame retain 50% original case colors with a smooth brown-gray patina on the balance. The grip is very fine with some high edge wear, minor handling marks, and retaining most of the original varnish. Mechanically excellent. The stock shows casting flaws underneath the original nickel finish. There is also evidence of abrasive marks on the interior rear of stock. This well-documented revolver-stock combination "pinched frame" Colt SAA is a crown jewel in Colt collecting and will be a prized addition to any private or public collection no matter how advanced.