Colt Single Action Army revolver manufactured in 1875. This revolver is complete with a Colt factory letter that lists the features as: "Caliber: 45/c. Barrel Length: Not Listed, Finish: Nickel, Type of Stocks: Not Listed". Unlisted barrel length and stocks indicate that the revolver originally had a 7 1/2-inch barrel and varnished walnut grips. The letter states that this revolver was shipped to Meyer & Geiger in Omaha, Nebraska, on April 16, 1875, as part of a 100 gun shipment. The revolver barrel has been shortened to 4 3/4-inches. The wooden grips have been replaced with two-piece bone grips, and a ball shaped mount for a lanyard loop has been added to the butt. The revolver has been custom engraved with deeply chiseled scrollwork. The ejector housing is engraved with a detailed horse-shoe and a stylized "R" cattle brand, and the left side of the barrel is relief engraved with a trail scene featuring a covered wagon or chuck wagon with horses and mounted rider. A bison is relief-engraved on the left recoil shield. The engraving is reasonably well executed but does not compare with Colt factory or New York custom engraving. The engraving probably was executed circa 1920-30. The entire revolver is gold plated. The ejector housing is the early first style with barrel boss and has a bullseye ejector rod head. The serial number "14720" is stamped on the frame and trigger guard, but there are no serial numbers visible on other components. The patent dates have been polished off the left side of the frame. What appears to be an import mark is lightly engraved on the right side of the frame above the trigger guard (the marking is illegible except for the last two words "ORION VA").

Very good as custom embellished/barrel shortened. The revolver retains about 30% of the gold plating in protected areas; the balance of the revolver displays the underlying nickel finish. The restamped barrel marking is crisp. The deeply cut engraving and relief-chiseled western scenes are sharp. The bone grips have shrunk away from the grip straps and have developed a dark patina. The action is tight and functions well. This is an interesting example of a very early production commercial production Colt Single Action Army revolver that was shipped to a western dealer.