This is a rare example of Colt Single Action Army Revolver originally shipped with carbine length barrel complete with Colt factory letter. Popularly known as the "Buntline Special", these Single Action revolvers typically featured a 16 inch barrel, special flat top strap with folding long range leaf sight and extended trigger screw for attachment of a skeletonized shoulder stock. The accepted serial number range for Buntline Single Action revolvers is 28800-28830. Colt shipping records identify ten revolvers in this serial number range with 16 inch barrels, one revolver with a 12 inch barrel and three revolvers with 10 inch barrels. Colt expert R.L. Wilson states that about one half of the total Buntline Specials identified in Colt shipping records have been found by collectors. In "A Study of the Colt Single Action Revolver" by Graham, Kopec and Moore, page 25 lists twenty-two known examples of Buntline revolvers by serial number including this example. The Colt factory record for this revolver lists the features as: "Serial Number: 28823, Caliber: .45/c, Barrel Length: 16", Finish: Blue" and "Type of Stocks: Not Listed". The record shows that this revolver was one of five Single Actions with 16 inch barrels shipped to B. Kittredge & Co. in Cincinnati, Ohio, on March 30, 1880. A number of the surviving Buntline Single Actions have barrels that were shortened to a more practical length. The barrel on this revolver was shortened to 5 1/2 inches, and the front sight blade was relocated. The elongated trigger screw was replaced with conventional screw. The distinctive folding leaf rear sight remains in the special flat top frame, but the close range V-notched rear sight is broken. The shortened barrel was not crowned, and the front sight blade is soldered in place. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in one-line. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt "Two-Line/Two-Date" patent markings. "45 CAL" is stamped on the left shoulder of the trigger guard. The assembly number "25" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The full serial number, "28823", is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The partial serial number "8823" is stamped on the barrel beneath the ejector housing and on the side of the cylinder. The one-piece walnut grip has a varnished finish.

Fair. The revolver has an untouched dark brown patina overall. The front trigger guard screw and cylinder pin screw are modern replacements, and the trigger screw is a period replacement. All of the other components appear original to the revolver. There are several shallow dents on the barrel; most of the dents are located on the underside of the barrel just ahead of the frame. The forward edges of the frame and top strap show light flash pitting. The cylinder has light pitting in the flutes and on the face. The grip is in fair condition with moderate to heavy handling wear. The revolver was once used as a hammer and there are numerous shallow dents on the bottom of the grip and back strap. The short range rear sight that was used when the long range sight was folded is broken off. The end of the cylinder pin and the frame screws are battered. The serial numbers, barrel legend and Colt patent markings are sharp. The caliber marking on the trigger guard shoulder is faint. The action is tight, but the hammer will not hold at half cock. This is an honest, fully documented example of one of the rarest and most desirable variations of the Colt Single Action Army - the Buntline Special. The shortened barrel shows that this revolver was a "working gun" that was modified to meet the requirements of the owner. This is unique opportunity to obtain an example of an extremely rare Colt Single Action Buntline revolver.