This is a much sought after, extremely high condition example of an acid etched panel black powder, documented factory nickel plated Colt Single Action Army revolver in 44-40 WCF that is well deserving of the finest collection. The .44-40 WCF SAA has found a special place in the hearts of Peacemaker collectors. When introduced in 1877, the .44-40 WCF SAA was intended to be used in conjunction with another legendary Western icon, the Winchester Model 1873 Rifle, which used the same cartridge. "The .44-40 WCF was added to the list of Colt calibers for use with the popular Winchester rifle of the same caliber," wrote Colt author David Brown. "This combination of a rifle and a six shooter using the same cartridge made it possible for their user to buy only one kind of ammunition, and he could carry 'fodder' for both guns in the same cartridge belt." This high condition example was manufactured in 1879, and the factory letter confirms the caliber and nickel plated finish (barrel length and grips not listed but noted as standard issue of 7 ½ inches and walnut respectively) and that it was in a shipment of five guns of this type shipped on March 29, 1879, to the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, New Haven, Connecticut. The left side of the barrel has the acid etched “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” panel. This highly desirable etched barrel panel was officially replaced by the Colt factory in the 135,000 serial number range with the much easier to produce and larger roll-stamping. Rarely is the etched panel encountered in such pristine condition as featured on this example. It is equipped with standard blade front and frame notch rear sights. The top of the barrel has the stamped one-line Hartford address, the left side of the frame has the stamped three-line patent dates marking, and the left side of the trigger guard is stamped "44 CF." The underside of the barrel has the correct small "44" marking. A small "S" is stamped on the rear cylinder face. The ejector housing is the second type as it has been factory altered from the original first type, and the ejector rod has a bullseye head. The matching full or partial serial number is marked on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, barrel, and cylinder. The loading gate is marked with the assembly number "340." The revolver is fitted with a walnut grip. Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection; The Nick Shannon Collection

Excellent. The barrel retains 98% plus original nickel plating with a crisp etched panel. The ejector rod housing retains 90% original nickel plating. The frame retains 97% original nickel plating. 85% original nickel plating remains on the cylinder. The back strap retains 97% original nickel plating. The trigger guard retains 85% original nickel plating. The screws retain 80% original niter blue. The grip is also excellent showing some minor high edge wear and minor handling marks, retaining most of the original varnish. Mechanically fine. An outstanding Winchester shipped factory nickel etched panel Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolver that will make a great addition to any SAA collection.