This is a excellent example of a very rare Colt SAA that was made with the Colt "Long Fluted" cylinder. These were a fairly short lived production variation during the 1913-1915 time frame that fell right in this 330,000 serial number range of pistols, with only approximately 1,478 total made. These Long Fluted SAAs were actual standard production pistols in which Colt decided to utilize left-over Colt 1878 DA revolver cylinders in the production process. This specific pistol is even more rare because it is chambered for .38-40! This is a perfect example of the old adage that Colt never threw anything away. It has the short barrel with the scarce two-line address on top reading "COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. CO./ HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.", the caliber marking "38 W.C.F." on the left side and the two line, three patent marking on the left side of the frame followed by the Rampant Colt logo. The Colt "VP/triangle" proof is marked on the left, upper front of the trigger guard bow with a single number "1" on the rear. The complete matching serial number (330501) appears on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, and the loading gate is marked with the assembly number "228". The back side of each grip panel is scratched with the partial serial number "30501". The frame and hammer were casehardened, and the barrel and cylinder were finished in what Colt described as a "Fire Blue" finish. The revolver is fitted with two-piece hard rubber grips with the Colt logo at the top of each panel. The accompanying Colt factory letter confirms the barrel length, finish, 38-40 caliber and "furnished with a double action cylinder with long flute configuration" when it was shipped to Schaw-Batcher Co., Sacramento, California, on March 4, 1914. It is complete with the original maroon colored Colt shipping box that is marked on the end label: " 4 3/4 COLT'S ARMY S.A. REVOLVER/RUBBER BLUE/ 38-40", and the bottom of the box has a faint pencil marking of serial number "330501".

Very fine overall. The barrel and ejector housing retains 90% with some front muzzle wear and along the center section of the ejector rod housing. The cylinder retains 90% with front edge wear, along with minor wear along the side from being rotated. The back strap has 60% blue finish remaining with the balance having turned a brown patina. The trigger guard retains 60% of its blue finish with the balance turning a gray patina. The frame retains 75% plus of its original case colors, fading on the lower sides with more fiery colors in the protected areas. The hammer retains 90% of its original case colors with some fading and wear on top in front of the checkering. The grips are in very good plus condition with nice checkering on the sides but starting to show wear and color loss on the bottoms of each grip. The box is in good condition with three corners of the lid broken, a small piece missing on the right front corner and wear on all the edges and corners. The end label is very nice, showing some minor wear with clear markings. The Colt label inside of the lid is also in very good condition. A very fine example of an extremely low production Colt Long Fluted Single Action Army.