Beginning in 1947 and running into 1961, approximately 300 Single Action Army revolvers were assembled from Pre-War parts. These revolvers are in the serial number range of 356000 to 357000 and represent the final production of the Pre-War Single Action Army revolvers. The calibers for these revolvers were 38 and 44 Special, and 45 Colt. The highest number produced was serial number 357869. The serial number on this revolver places it in the correct range. The accompanying factory letter verifies the serial number as a 38 Special caliber, 4 3/4" barrel, blue finish, hard rubber grips, no engraving and that it was shipped to Mr. Walter Plowman, colt Firearms, Hartford, Connecticut as 1 on March 29, 1973. The letter further states "The above revolver was manufactured prior to World War II and was assembled February 3, 1961. It was shipped as one of the last six numbered Single Action Army revolvers stored in the shipping room, and is considered a most desirable collectors item. Mr. Plowman was Export Manager for the Colt Company. "In Wilkersons book "Colt Single Action Army Revolvers, 1873-1999", these pre-war/post-war revolvers are discussed and he lists only 2 38 Special 4 3/4" barreled revolvers having been made, (this may be an error and only 1 was made). A letter from R.L. Wilson, (copy also with gun), states that of the last 33 assembled, this revolver was the only one with a 4 3/4" barrel. Interestingly this revolver was assembled in 1961, which was the 125th Anniversary of the founding of the Colt Company and it was shipped in 1973, which was the 100th Anniversary of the Single Action Army revolver. The top of the barrel is marked with the one line address, the left side is marked "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .38 SPECIAL" and the left side of the frame is marked with the two line, three patent dates followed by the Rampant Colt. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame and on the right side of the trigger guard and back strap under the grips. The left upper front of the trigger guard is marked with the Colt "VP" proof, with the letter "X" on the left rear and "A" on the upper right front. The revolver is finished in Colt high polish blue with a casehardened frame, polished hammer sides and standard blade front and frame notch rear sights. Complete with the original black hinge lid box numbered to the gun with papers and cleaning brush.

Excellent plus. The revolver retains 99% plus original blue finish with a few small minor scratches on the cylinder. The grips are excellent with a few minor scuffs on the lower edges and sharp checkering. The markings remain clear and crisp. The action is excellent. The box is excellent. An exceptional, hard to find, well documented Pre-War/Post-War production Colt Single Action Army Revolver that would be difficult to improve upon.