Colt Single Action Army revolver manufactured in 1877. The factory letter states this revolver was .45 caliber, nickel-plated finish, grips and barrel length not listed, and that it was shipped to B. Kittredge & Company on August 7, 1879 as part of a 50 gun shipment. The revolver has New York "scroll and border" engraving with full nickel-plated finish and two-piece, pearl grips with relief-carved steer heads. The engraving closely resembles the L.D. Nimschke engraving described by R.L. Wilson as "Wild West style of scroll and border work" and illustrated on page 343 of "THE COLT ENGRAVING BOOK VOLUME ONE". Many Colt revolvers sold by Kittredge & Company had New York engraving. This revolver was almost certainly engraved by L.D. Nimschke or his shop for Kittredge. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in an engraved panel with flourishes at one end. The Colt "Three-Date/Three-Line" patent marking is roll-stamped on the left side of the frame in a panel formed by scrollwork. The assembly number "3846" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The full serial number, "40011" is located on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "0011" is located on the barrel beneath the ejector housing and on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The revolver has the first style, "bullseye" ejector rod head and hammer with bordered knurling on the spur.

Fine as period retailer embellished on order. The revolver retains 50% of the nickel-plated finish. The plating shows even wear and the exposed metal surfaces have a silver-gray patina that closely matches the plated finish. There are traces of pitting on the cylinder, portions of the frame and barrel adjacent to the cylinder face and the bottom of the trigger guard. The Colt address, patent markings and serial numbers are crisp. The flawlessly executed engraving is sharp. The pearl grips are in very good condition. The detailed, relief carved, steer heads are sharp and show minimal handling wear with a small chip in the heel of the left grip. The action is tight and functions perfectly. This is a classic example of a New York engraved Colt Single Action Army revolver with nickel-plated finish and Wild West style, relief carved, steer head grips.