This is an excellent example of a Colt Single Action Storekeeper's Model revolver with four-inch barrel and acid etched "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" markings. The revolver has the black powder frame with no provision for an ejector housing. The revolver has a full nickel-plated finish with one-piece varnished walnut grip. It is accompanied by a Colt factory letter that identifies the revolver as a "COLT STOREKEEPER'S MODEL REVOLVER", caliber .44-40, with four-inch barrel, nickel finish and wood stocks. The letter states that this revolver was shipped from Colt to the Simmons Hardware Company in St. Louis, Missouri, on May 13, 1899. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG.CO./HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A." in two lines. The "Frontier Six Shooter" marking is etched in an oblong panel on the left side of the barrel. The caliber designation "44" is stamped on the underside of the barrel just ahead of the frame. The left side of the frame has the Colt "Three-Date/Three-Line' patent markings and the assembly number "293" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. "44CF" is stamped on the left front trigger guard bow. The full serial number "123298" is located on the bottom of the frame, trigger housing and back strap. "V 298" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder between the chambers. All of the serial numbers match. In addition to the factory letter, this revolver is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from the noted Colt SAA author, historian and researcher Ron Graham, who has personally examined this revolver on two separate occasions in time past. Among the details of the letter Mr. Graham speaks to the history of the Storekeeper’s (Sheriffs’) Model and its importance in the production of the SAA series, particularly the “etched” barrel-panel variations such as this revolver. Based on his examination of this revolver, in the observing of certain markings on the cylinder, Mr. Graham states that this revolver was factory refinished in or around 1900 and was obviously in excellent condition at the time. He further states that, with the exception of the finish, it is completely original in all respects to its initial factory assembly date. In closing Mr. Graham comments that due to the rarity and desirability of the “Ejectorless” models, and the condition of this particular example, “many collectors would not hesitate to place this Sheriffs’ Model in their Single Action collections”. Our consignor states that during a phone conversation shortly after he received the letter, Mr. Graham told him it was also possible that due to a post-assembly imperfection of some sort, the re-plating could have been done prior to the original shipment to Simmons Hardware.

Very fine as factory replated. The revolver retains more than 90% of the nickel-plated finish. The finish is thinned on the left recoil shield and lower half of the back strap. There is finish flaking on the edges of the cylinder. The delicate acid etched panel on the left side of the barrel remains more than 90% intact. The grips are in very fine condition and retains at least 95% of the original piano finish. All of the markings are crisp. The action is tight and functions perfectly. This is an attractive example of a scarce and very desirable documented Colt Single Action Storekeeper's Model revolver.