Early production Colt Single Action Army revolver with Colt Factory Letter. The letter states that the revolver was shipped from Colt to the H &D Folsom Arms Company in New York, New York on December 30, 1876. The letter lists the caliber as "45/c" and the finish as "Blue". The barrel length and type of stocks are not identified in the Colt records which indicates that the revolver was probably shipped from Colt with a standard length, 7 1/2-inch, barrel and varnished walnut stocks. The revolver barrel has been shortened to 6-inches and is fitted with a replacement, nickel-silver front sight. The barrel, frame, loading gate, trigger guard and back strap are expertly engraved with Germanic scrollwork on a punch-dot background with zig-zag patterns on the ejector housing, sides of the frame, top strap and back strap. Scrollwork flourishes are engraved between the cylinder flutes. The engraving is period and very similar to work executed by L.D. Nimschke and his shop. The engraving coverage approximates Colt level "B" engraving. The barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap and hammer are nickel-plated, The cylinder has a gold-washed finish. The revolver is fitted with two-piece mother-of-pearl grips. The barrel appears to have been shortened and the front sight added after the revolver was engraved. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the 'Style II. Condensed Block Letter Address': "COLT'S PT.F.A.MFG.Co.HARTFORD.CT.U.S.A.". The underside of the barrel is stamped with the partial serial number "3217" beneath the ejector housing. The ejector housing is fitted with the early style, 'bullseye' ejector rod head. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the early 'Two-Dates/Two-Line' patent markings in an engraved oval. "45 CAL" is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard at the junction with the grip. The inside of the loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "26". The full serial number "33217" is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The cylinder is not serial numbered but "8 2 5" is stamped on the face. A "C" inspection marks is stamped in the hammer slot. The hammer is a late commercial pattern with 'concave' firing pin and fine, borderless, knurling on the spur.