In his gold seal letter of authentication renowned Colt expert and author John Kopec presented his observations related to this revolver. Per Kopec the frame was manufactured circa September 2, 1873, however, it was not assembled until February or early March 1874 and was shipped on March 3, 1874. This type of commercial SAA is known to collectors as "late assemblies." This revolver was factory built from components pulled from U.S. military production within the serial number range 1200-1236. "There were six revolvers designated as being 'commercial' and 31 government inspected revolvers within this cluster," wrote Kopec . "Our survey cites the revolvers #1216 (commercial), #1222 (commercial), #1224 (military) and #1232 as a military revolver. The letters 'U.S.' were applied to these commercial frames while in the 'soft' state by the Colt workman in anticipation of the revolver being ordnance inspected as a military example." The barrel was manufactured prior to the frame. Based on the barrel address not exhibiting a broken "o" in "Co.", Kopec theorized that the barrel many have received the address marking during the first week of production in 1873. The broken "o" in the die is not observed until around serial number 350. In closing, Kopec observed that the revolver "remains today in remarkable original condition." Other features of the revolver include the two-line patent dates followed by the aforementioned "U.S." marking on the left side of the frame, matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, and barrel, and fitted with a varnished walnut grip. The accompanying factory letter states that the revolver was shipped on March 3, 1874 and delivered to J.P. Moores Sons of New York City in .45 chambering and blue finish with the barrel length and type of stocks not listed, a common indication of 7 1/2 inches and wood respectively. This was a 5 gun shipment. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Fine, retaining 60% original blue finish and 40% original case colors with smooth brown patina on the balance and some light pitting/spotting. The grip is excellent with some scattered handling marks, slight high edge wear, and most of the original varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent. An attractive U.S. frame marked commercial first year production black powder Colt Single Action Army revolver authenticated by renowned SAA expert John Kopec.