This revolver was manufactured in 1914 and is one of only 1,478 Single Action Army revolvers manufactured between 1913 and 1915 that were hand tuned and fitted with cylinders from Colt Model 1878 DA production. These revolvers are distinguished by the longer cylinder flutes which extend past the cylinder stops. In addition to the distinctive cylinder configuration, the "Long Flute" Single Actions have a special factory high polish "charcoal blue" finish not utilized on other Single Action revolvers in this serial number range. The revolver is accompanied by a Colt factory letter that confirms the current configuration, including the grip. The letter states that this revolver was shipped to P.S Rigg on January 10, 1914. In addition to the charcoal blue finish on the barrel, ejector housing cylinder, trigger guard and back strap, the revolver has a color casehardened frame and loading gate. The hammer is color casehardened with blued top and bottom. The two-piece walnut grips are oil-finished. Walnut grips are rare on revolvers in this serial number range. As noted by Kopec on page 159 of :A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver": "All but a few Long Flutes were factory assembled with standard hard rubber grips. Four revolvers with special order grips, two checkered walnut and two pearl, with medallions, were reported during this study." This may well be the only factory documented Long Flute SAA shipped with smooth walnut grips. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the legend "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in one line. The caliber designation "45 COLT" is roll-stamped on the left side of the barrel. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt two-line, three date patent markings followed by the Rampant Colt trademark. The left front trigger guard bow is stamped with the Colt triangle "VP" proofmark, and the left rear bow is stamped with the assembly mark "1" used by Arah D. Libby during DA cylinder fitting and assembly. The assembly number "712" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate and on the right rear of the frame beneath the grip. The full serial number, "330718", is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap and is written in pencil on the inside of both grips. The hammer has borderless machine knurling on the spur.

Extremely fine. The revolver retains 90% plus of the original blue high polish finish. The barrel and ejector housing retain most of the high polish charcoal blue finish still showing the fine "feathering" around the sight. The barrel has some light pitting on the left side at the muzzle and a several shallow dents on the underside in front of the cylinder pin. The cylinder has high point wear on the front and rear edges and a small amount of very fine pitting at the rear of one chamber. Most of the blue finish is present on the trigger guard and back strap; wear is limited to a few handling marks. The silvered out case colors on the sides of the frame show flashes of the vibrant original colors. The remainder of the frame retains most of the case colors with some silvering. Nearly all of the blue and casehardened finish remain on the hammer. The back strap also proudly exhibits its original factory "feathering" polish line, which is usually the first place and finish loss would occur. The grips are in excellent condition and show minimal handling wear. The serial numbers, barrel and frame markings are crisp. The action functions perfectly. This is a very fine example of a scarce, documented Colt Single Action Army revolver with "Long Flute" cylinder, and is possibly the only example encountered walnut grips and would prove extremely difficult to improve upon.