This is a very special Colt Single Action Army Revolver. Its high condition alone makes it worthy of the most advanced collection, but its standing in the Colt legacy makes it a must have historical piece for any serious collector. This revolver no. 357858 is one digit away from the highest recorded numbered Single Action Army (no. 357859) included in a pre-World War II shipment (see John Parsons' "The Peacemaker and Its Rivals", page 87). After the war, Colt assembled 338 SAAs using pre-war manufactured parts and these revolvers are referred to as Pre-War/Post-War by collectors. Colt's Single Action Army Revolver marked the longest continuous assembly run of any revolver in history. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was sold to Shapleigh Hardware Co. of St. Louis, Missouri and shipped to Klein's Sporting Goods of Chicago, Illinois, on December 30, 1940, with a 4 3/4 inch barrel in .44 Special, nickel finish, and type of stocks not listed. This was a single gun shipment. The letter surmised that the serial number on the trigger guard and back strap were stamped over at the factory. Per Colt expert and author David Brown, only 506 standard first generation SAAs were chambered in .44 Special (see "The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army," page 100). Consignor records note that out of the 506 first gens manufactured in .44 special, only 50 left the factory with a 4 3/4 inch barrel. The barrel has the correct markings for a .44 Special SAA manufactured after 1931: the two-line Hartford address on top and "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .44 SPECIAL" on the left side. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Matching assembly number appear on the loading gate and rear of the frame. The frame has the two-line patent dates followed by a Rampant Colt. The left side of the trigger guard has the number "4" above the Colt factory triangle proof. The revolver wears a set of Rampant Colt medallion pearl grips. Brig Pemberton purchased this revolver from Eric Vaule in 1964. Provenance: The Eric Vaule Collection; The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection

Excellent, retaining 98% plus original nickel plating with minimal handling marks and faint cylinder drag line. The grips are very fine with an age crack at the medallion (right panel) and highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. As one of the last pre-World War II shipped Single Action Armies, this revolver stands as a testament to the Colt legacy and will bring added dimension to any SAA collection no mater how advanced.