Manufactured in 1884. There are few firearms that exude the character, grit, and style of the American frontier like the Colt Single Action Army revolver. The revolver found itself almost immediately popular as a sidearm upon its release in the mid-late 1800s, and that popularity continued well into the 20th century among those with a desire for unwaveringly reliable firepower. This documented factory engraved example with factory pearl grips displays a certain flair that is often associated with the "Wild West", having the look of a gun that is not hard to imagine in the hand of a flamboyant Texas gunslinger. Adding credence to this revolver's potential former life, is the fact that the included factory letter lists it as having shipped on July 19, 1884, to Simmons Hardware Co. of St. Louis, Missouri, the gateway to the West. Along with this shipment information, the factory letter confirms the 5 1/2 inch barrel in .45 caliber, nickel finish, factory engraving, and pearl stocks. On page 333 in "The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1873-1895," the authors accounted for only 35 factory engraved SAAs in the 1-164100 serial number range in this configuration (5 1/2 inch barrel, .45 caliber, nickel finish, pearl stocks). The scroll engraving is unique to patterns commonly used by Colt master engraver Cuno Helfricht and more closely resembles a Louis Nimschke deluxe style than the aforementioned engraver. Fan patterns decorate the recoil shield, loading gate, and behind the hammer, zig-zag line motifs adorn the ejector rod, top of the barrel, cylinder, trigger guard, and back strap, and a rope pattern decorates the top strap. The top of the 5 1/2 inch barrel has the two-line Colt Hartford address, a marking generally reserved on revolvers with barrel lengths 4 3/4 inches or less. The frame has the two-line patent date marking on the left side, and the left side of the trigger guard has the caliber designation "45 CAL." Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap.

Fine, retaining 40% original nickel finish with a smooth dark gray associated with a well traveled sidearm on the balance, proving that not all art hangs on the wall. The grips are very good and show similar working gun character with a few chips. Mechanically fine. A documented, fine original example of a factory engraved, pearl stocked Colt Single Action Army Revolver with a few stories to tell!