This is a beautiful example of a very early, low serial number revolver. This early three digit revolver was manufactured in 1899, (the second year of actual production) and exhibits all of the early characteristics, such as the single line barrel address without any patent dates, the fixed firing pin and the early style top strap that is very similar to the SAAs without the front and rear cut-outs also produced during this time. The top of the barrel bears the early style, one-line Colt Hartford address of "COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co HARTFORD U.S.A.---". The left side of the barrel is marked: "NEW SERVICE CAL 44" in one line. The left side plate has the early Rampant Colt trademark encircled by "COLT'S NEW SERVICE". The low serial number "781" is stamped on the inside of the frame and crane and the serial number is factory scratched on the back side of each grip panel. The revolver has the standard clipped blade front sight and grooved receiver rear sight. The butt is fitted with a lanyard loop. Originally, these revolvers were produced a high polish commercial blue finish with heat blued trigger and casehardened hammer and ejector rod. The grips are the scarce early brown hard rubber versions that have checkering on both sides with "COLT" across the top of each one. This revolver may have seen action as there are three notches that run across the rear of the left grip and onto the edge of the backstrap. One can only wonder what history this revolver witnessed.

Fine overall with approximately 50% of the original blue finish with even honest wear overall with more wear and light cleaning on the sides of the barrel with actual wear on the top strap, the sides of the cylinder, and on the grip straps. The grips are in fine condition with actual honest wear overall with no cracks or damage (and three notches as described above). A fine example of a super early Colt New Service revolver in a desirable caliber.