This revolver was manufactured in 1878 and chambered for the .44-40 cartridge with "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" markings on the barrel. The barrel has the very desirable marking "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" acid-etched in a panel on the left side. 1878 was the first year that Colt utilized this model designation for Single Action Army revolvers chambered for the .44-40 cartridge. The revolver has the Colt commercial blue finish on the barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The frame, hammer and loading gate are color casehardened and the one piece walnut grip has a high polish "piano" finish. The revolver has the early round ejector rod head and hammer with elongated bordered knurling on the spur. The screws are niter blued. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the legend: "COLT'S PT. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in "Style III Bold Block Letters". The caliber designation "44" is roll-stamped on the underside of the barrel, and "44 CF" is stamped on the left rear trigger guard bow. The Colt "Three-Line/Three-Date" patent marking is roll-stamped on the left side of the frame and the assembly number "5001" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. " A small "P" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder between the chambers. The full serial number, "46668", is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "6668" is stamped on the barrel beneath the ejector housing and on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. Three notches in an arrow-shaped pattern are deeply and neatly carved on the right side of the grip. The left side of the grip has a smaller version of the same marking which closely resembled the British Army "Broad Arrow" property mark. The significance of these markings in unknown.

Very fine. The markings are crisp and the "Frontier Six Shooter" etching is fully visible; this acid etched marking was very delicate and revolvers that retain any legible markings are very desirable. The barrel and cylinder shows high point wear but retain 80% of the blue finish. Most of the blue finish is present on the trigger guard and grip strap. The blue finish on the back strap and butt has aged to a dull gray patina. The frame, loading gate, cylinder pin and hammer retain more than 90% of the original case colors with some silvering on the recoil shield and loading gate. The frame screws retain most of the fire blue finish. The grip has about 85% of the high polish piano finish and is excellent condition except for the period, non-factory carved "arrow" markings. The action is tight and functions well. This is a very fine example of a scarce and desirable first year production "Colt Frontier Six Shooter" marked Single Action Army revolver.