Manufactured in 1939 and is one of only 525 standard frame first generation SAAs chambered in .357 Magnum (per Wilson's "The Book of Colt Firearms"). Although introduced in 1935 towards the end of first generation production, the .357 Magnum cartridge was popular, including with highway and law enforcement agencies looking for a powerful cartridge that could, with proper loads, stop a car by damaging its engine. The .357 Magnum was the last cartridge Colt introduced to the first generation line of Single Action Army revolvers. This standout example features a barrel with the one-line Hartford address on top and "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .357" on the left side. The front sight has been shaved to meet the needs of its previous owner. The left side of the frame carries the two-line patent dates marking followed by a Rampant Colt. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with the number "4" above a Colt factory triangle proof. The matching assembly number "354" appears on the loading gate and rear of the frame. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, right side of the trigger guard and back strap under the grip panel, and back of both grip panels. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was sold to Shapleigh Hardware Co. of St. Louis, Missouri, and shipped to Star Sporting Goods, Cheyenne, Wyoming, on January 25, 1939, with a 7 1/2 inch barrel in .357 Magnum, blue finish, and type of stocks not listed. This was a single gun shipment. Brig Pemberton purchased the revolver in 1966 for $400. Provenance: Eric Vaule; The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection

Excellent, retaining 95% plus original blue finish with some thinning on the grips straps, some scattered high edge wear, and a light cylinder drag line. 97% original case colors remain on the frame with some fading on the high edges. The faded replacement grips are very fine with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A very attractive, high condition Colt Single Action Army revolver in .357 Magnum.