This scarce black powder, Colt Single Action Army Revolver was manufactured in 1877. The revolver is chambered for the .44-40 W.C.F. cartridge. The left side of the trigger guard flat is marked "44.C.F." and the underside of the early block address barrel is stamped with the caliber designation "44". Although the Colt chambered Single Action Army Revolvers for the .44-40 cartridge as early as 1876, surviving examples are very scarce. John Kopec states in "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER" that the "44.C.F." stamping on the trigger guard was introduced about serial number 41,800. The revolver has a blued barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The frame, hammer and loading gate have a casehardened finish. The one-piece, walnut, grip is varnished. The ejector rod has a 'bullseye' head. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the block letter Hartford address: "COLT'S PT. F A MFG. Co, HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.". The address lacks the slashes at either end and there is no period in "Co". The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt 'three date/three line' patent marking. The inside of the loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "1723". The full serial number "40956", is located on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The barrel and cylinder are stamped with the partial serial number "0956" and "0956" is written in ink on the grip back strap recess. All of the serial numbers match. The rear face of the cylinder is stamped with a small "P" and a "B" Colt inspection marks is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole.

Fine. It retains 30% of the original high polish, commercial blue finish in protected areas. Traces of the casehardened finish are visible in protected areas of the hammer and frame. The revolver has an attractive, plum-brown patina. There are several minor dents on the underside of the barrel and the cylinder, forward edges of the frame and the top strap have some scattered, light, flash pitting. Most of the metal surfaces on the barrel, ejector housing, frame and grips straps are smooth. The grip is in excellent condition and retains more then 90% of the original varnish; wear is limited to some minor handling marks and some flaking on the butt and the heel. The bore is bright. The markings are clear. The action is tight and functions perfectly. This is a fine, original, example of a scarce, highly desirable, early production .44-40 Colt Single Action Army Revolver.