This revolver was manufactured in 1940; by that time Single Action Army production had nearly ground to a halt. After WWI, they were largely seen as outdated and most consumers were more interested in modern double action revolvers and Colt's influential semi-automatic pistols. In some of the final years only a hundred revolvers were manufactured. The matching serial number is on the bottom of the frame, underside of the grips, and right side of the grip frame and the matching assembly number, "780," is marked on the loading gate and right side rear of the frame. The barrel is marked with the one line address on top and "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .38 SPECIAL" on the left. Only 25 total .38 Special First Generation revolvers were manufactured. The cylinder does not have the Rampant Colt emblem on the back that would identify it as a 2nd Generation replacement. The barrel is fitted with a King front sight and the frame has been modified and fitted with an adjustable King rear sight. The revolver was likely modified for competitive target shooting. Included with the revolver is an "I Have This Old Gun.." article about one of Elmer Keith's Single Action Army revolvers. Keith's revolver has similar King Gun Sight Co. alterations.

Fine as period King customized. The revolver retains 85% plus of the original blue finish and virtually all of the original case colors. The balance is bright or has light gray patina. There is some mild fading at the muzzle, rotation and flash marks on the cylinder, and fading from handling on the grip frame. The sides of the hammer remain very bright. The grips are also very good and have crisp checkering, some minor handling wear and a few small nicks. The action functions fine and the markings are crisp.