Manufactured in 1884, offered here is a Colt Single Action Army revolver in highly sought after "Sheriff's Model" configuration with factory documented 3 1/2 inch barrel and etched barrel. The ejectorless Colt "Sheriff's Model" Single Action Army revolver is one of the rarest and most sought after variations of the legendary Peacemaker. In "The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver, 1873-1895" the authors stressed the rarity of the ejectorless Single Action Army as a whole (barrel lengths ranged from 2 1/2 to 7 1/2 inches in the study) and state that "just under 600 ejectorless Single Action Army revolvers were produced in all calibers from 1882 to the 1930s." Based on the authors' research, Colt only produced 10 Sheriff's Models with a 3 1/2 inch barrel in .44-40 WCF and nickel finish in the 1-164100 serial number range (page 338). You are certainly looking at a rare Colt! Adding to the gun's desirability is the fact that it has the iconic acid etched "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" panel on the left side of the barrel. Whether on the hip of a lawman, carried by an outlaw or under the counter of a storekeeper's shop, the "Sheriff's Model" Colt Single Action Army was at the front lines of the American frontier. This example has all the appearance of serving as a trustworthy companion and was manufactured in 1884. The included factory letter states there are no records available for this revolver. The revolver correctly lacks an ejector rod and has the early production "fluted" frame which was "fluted" for fitment of an ejector rod on standard revolvers. The barrel also has the two-line Hartford address on top. The underside of the barrel carries "44" in small font for the caliber designation. The left side of the frame has the three-line, three-date marking. The left side of the trigger guard is marked "44 CF." Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Fine, retaining 60% original nickel finish with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The acid etched panel is faint but legible. The revarnished grip is also fine with a slight chip at the toe and minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A rarely encountered, highly sought after etched panel black powder Colt Sheriff's Model Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army revolver.