Manufactured in 1920. Fitted with a set of smooth ivory grips and has an inscribed four line presentation on the top strap which reads: "Presented to / COL. WALTER M. HOTZ / By Members of Sheriffs office. / June 1925". A brief history of Walter Hotz's military record from the 1890's was obtained from the internet and accompanies the revolver The Colt factory letter that accompanies the revolver states that it was shipped to Tufts-Lyon Arms Company., Los Angeles, CA. in May 1921 as a single gun shipment. This pistol is fitted with the desirable 7 1/2-inch tapered barrel that is fitted with an adjustable (elevation only) front sight that with a target rear sight dovetailed into the top strap that is adjustable for windage only. This flattop Target Model frame has finely checkered grip straps and trigger, as well as the hammer spur and cylinder latch. The butt is not fitted for a lanyard loop. The top of the barrel is marked with the second two-line Colt address and patent dates of "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG.CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. over PAT'D AUG.5.1884.JUNE.5.1900.JULY.4.1905" and the left side of the barrel is marked "NEW SERVICE RUSSIAN AND S&W SPECIAL .44". The left side of the frame bears the Rampant Colt trademark behind the cylinder latch. The Colt "VP/Triangle" proof mark is located on the left side of the frame above the trigger guard bow. The serial number, "306758", is located on the inside of the crane and the frame. It has the high polished blue finish with ivory grips.

Very fine with 90% of the faded original Colt prewar blued finish showing wear on the left side of the barrel, starting at the muzzle and extending for about 2 inches, probably just from being in a holster, as well as along the edges of the cylinder and the edges and high spots overall. The grips are in good plus condition with a large area on the left grip that has broken off and pinned back on, with some signs of age cracks on the sides and bottom of the grips. The inscription on the top strap is clear and sharp and is well executed. Even thought this is not noted in the factory letter, it would certainly be a case where some additional research on who Colonel Hotz is could certainly and dramatically increase the value of this revolver.