This nickel plated Colt Single Action Army revolver was shipped to Allen & Glenn (no address given) on September 17, 1895, and is fitted with smooth two-piece mother of pearl grips. The copy of the factory letter lists the finish and grips as "not listed" but confirms the caliber and barrel length. An included notarized letter indicates that the revolver belonged to John Ely after whom the town of Ely, Nevada, is often said to have been named. Dan McDonald wrote that John Ely "was a magnificent specimen of a frontiersman, standing six foot three inches in his stockings." He was a noted "crack shot" and was for a time a vigilante in Montana. Ely found considerable success mining in the Pioche region of Nevada. He sold his portion of the Raymond and Ely Mine for $350,000 (equivalent of over $8 million today), and between 1870 and 1873, the mine earned Ely and his partner William H. Raymond over $40 million in silver from a patch of land initially secured in part by Ely's pocket watch. His time in Pioche was not without incident; on November 9, 1870, he and his partner enlisted the help of a gang of outlaws to chase off a group of men who refused to stop mining on their property. One of the miners was killed during the outlaws raid and several others were injured, but ultimately no charges were leveled. After selling his share of the mine, Ely moved to Salt Lake City and established mining operations throughout Utah and more than tripled his wealth. Despite his early success, Ely had lost, regained, and lost his fortune in other ventures and is said to have died impoverished. The revolver is one of 30,520 First Generation Single Action Army revolvers chambered in .38-40 W.C.F. compared to over 158,000 chambered for .45 Colt. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the one line address, and the left side has the caliber designation. The left side of the frame marked with the two-line/three-date patent information followed by the circled Rampant Colt. The assembly number "562" is stamped on the loading gate. The serial number is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. It has the dished ejector head and standard blade and frame groove sights.

Very good as period related. The revolver retains 85% plus of the nickel plating with some flaking, small nicks, and light scratches. The cylinder has a light drag line, and the cylinder pin head has been worn likely from tool use. The hammer, trigger, and ejector head have faded blue finish and gray patina. The grips are fine with iridescent patterns and some chips/material absent on the edges at the junction with the frame. The action remains excellent and the markings are all legible. This is a very interesting documented and historic Colt single action with interesting Nevada mining association that’s definitely worth doing more research on!