The accompanying factory letter confirms the caliber, barrel length and factory engraving with the type of stocks not listed when it left the factory on July 22, 1887 as part of a 5 gun shipment to EC Meacham Arms Co. in St. Louis, Missouri. The factory scroll engraving on a punch dot background is featured on the barrel sides and frame sides. A diamond motif is also engraved on the left side of the frame. Zig zag line motifs are present on the ejector rod housing, back strap, trigger guard, top strap and rear of the cylinder. Star burst patterns and scrollwork alternate on the cylinder flats. A series of dots flank the hammer. The top of the barrel has the two-line Hartford address and the left side has the etched panel "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER". The upper left front of the trigger guard is marked "44 CAL". Matching numbers on the butt and rear face of the cylinder. A lanyard ring stud is mounted to the butt. Fitted with smooth bird head pearl grips.

Very fine. The revolver retains 70% original nickel finish with a smooth gray patina on the balance. 50% of the original acid etched panel remains. The grips are also very fine with a few minor handling marks and very attractive coloring. Mechanically fine. Factory engraved 1878's, especially in 44-40 are highly desirable!