This revolver was manufactured in 1899 and shipped to Simmons Hardware Company in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 22, 1899, according to the included factory letter which also confirms the barrel length, finish, and caliber. It has the standard two line Hartford barrel address on top and "COLT. D.A .41" on the left side. The frame has the three line patent dates. The matching serial number is on the cylinder (partial), loading gate (partial), frame, trigger guard, and back strap, and the assembly number "136" is on the loading gate. Factory rework star on right rear trigger bow. It is fitted with a pair of smooth mother of pearl grips. The back strap is inscribed "F.T. BAILEY (arrow) AMADO, A.T." Included with the revolver are letters and documents concerning Frank Bailey and this revolver. One letter from December 12, 1918, lists Bailey as the "City Marshall of the City of Tucson, Arizona." Another from Captain Claud T. Smith dated March 1, 1923, explains that Bailey was a detective for the City of El Paso for two years at that point and extols Bailey's honorable values and skills. Two other letters, including one from Bailey's son Bob giving permission for a display that included this revolver, identify this as Bailey's gun by serial number and explain that they were used by Bailey when he was "Chief of Police at Tucson Arizona." Also included is a badge marked "F.T. BAILEY/STATE OF /ARIZONA/CITY MARSHALL/TUSCON [sic]" and a pair of "POMO/POLICE" and "MADE IN SPAIN" marked handcuffs with a key. The included photograph is attached to the backing, but notes indicating that the image is of Frank Bailey as a young man prior to his marriage can be seen on the back. Given the dates provided, it is clear that Bailey was an active lawman near the border with Mexico in the early twentieth century during the time that violence from the Mexican Revolution occasionally spilled over into the border towns, and when infamous outlaws such as the Dillinger Gang (some of whom were arrested in Tucson in 1934) still wreaked havoc. The area would have been extremely tense as the threat of war with Mexico remained very real until after WWI, and several of Bailey's fellow lawman in El Paso were killed in shootouts with criminals in the 1920s.

Very fine as factory replated (rework star present on right rear trigger guard bow). 90% of the nickel plating remains with some flaking. The exposed surfaces primarily have a gray patina. 50% of the niter blue finish remains on the hammer and trigger. The grips are fine with some chips and minor cracks. The right panel is slightly oversized whereas the left panel is a perfect fit. Mechanically excellent with crisp markings. The badge is in very fine condition. The photograph has a small tear on the lower right hand corner and a small portion of the upper right corner absent but is otherwise in very good condition. The handcuffs are very good with some light oxidation. This is a very nice set based around a Model 1877 Thunderer revolver that is in fine condition given its police usage.