This is an example of a fine engraved Colt .44-40 Single Action "Frontier Six Shooter" revolver, that was manufactured in 1878. The revolver has a nickel-plated finish and is decorated with well-executed Germanic scroll-engraving on a punch-dot background. The engraving coverage is equal to Colt as "Grade B" engraving. The engraving has many of the elements associated with work executed by Louis D. Nimschke and his shop. These elements include: wheat-chaff and zigzag engraving on the barrel, ejector housing, top strap and back strap, cross hatching with dots on the right recoil shield and fish fin engraving on the back strap and left recoil shield. However, the engraving is not factory work. The one piece ivory grip has a relief-carved Mexican Eagle and Serpent motif on the right side. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the one line legend: "COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in one line between two lines of scrollwork. The left side of the barrel is acid etched: "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" in an oblong panel. The caliber designation, "44", is stamped on the underside of the barrel. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt 'three-date/three-line' patent marking. "44 C.F." is stamped on the left shoulder of the trigger guard. The loading gate is marked with the assembly number "1567". The full serial number, "45589" is stamped on the frame, trigger guard and back strap and the partial serial number, "5589" is stamped on the barrel and cylinder. All of the serial numbers match. "COLT'S" was polished off of the barrel; the remainder of the barrel legend appears of have been freshened during engraving. The "FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" markings on the left side of the barrel are faint. The cylinder engraving partially covers the serial number.

Very fine. The revolver retains 75% of the nickel-plated finish. Most of the finish wear is on the cylinder and the forward edge of the frame with thinning on the trigger guard and grip strap. The engraving is crisp and deep. The serial numbers, frame and trigger guard markings are sharp. The name: "W. H. Nesbitt" is lightly scratched on the bottom of the back strap. The hammer does not hold at half-cock. The relief-carved ivory grip is in good overall condition. The ivory has a very attractive yellow patina. The Eagle and Serpent motif shows handling wear but retain strong details. The ivory has shrunk slightly with age and has hairline age cracks on the sides and butt. There is a small chip missing from the left front heel of the grip. This is a very good example of a scarce, early Colt Single Action Frontier Six Shooter. The high quality engraving and relief carved ivory grip make this a very attractive and desirable revolver.