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 actually standard production pistols in which Colt decided to utilize leftover 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, and a single number "1" is 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".