Manufactured in 1901. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 4 3/4 inch barrel in .38-40 caliber, nickel-plated and pearl grips when it was sold to Eaton Brothers of Custer Trail Ranch, Medora, North Dakota, and shipped to Farwell, Ozmun, Kirk and Co. of St. Paul Minnesota, on September 9, 1901. In 1879 Howard Eaton left Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the western frontier to fulfill a cowboy inspired life. His brothers Willis and Alden followed in the early 1880s. The Eaton brothers established a ranch four miles south of Medora, North Dakota and named their operation the Custer Trail Ranch because General Custer and the Seventh Calvary had camped there during their ill fated 1876 campaign. The ranch supplied meat and hay to the U.S. Army and the Northern Pacific Railroad. Custer Trail Ranch also became America's first dude ranch, opening its doors for paying visitors who wanted to experience the West, paying as little as $25 to stay on the ranch for an entire month. The ranch attracted notable Easterners, including Teddy Roosevelt. The brothers moved the operation to the Big Horn Mountains near Sheridan, Wyoming, in 1904 where they ran one of the nation's most popular dude ranches. The barrel has the two-line address on top and "38 W.C.F." on the left side, and the left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates and a circled Rampant Colt. The back strap is inscribed "Ewing L. Rafferty." Matching serial numbers are found on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. Fitted with factory pearl grips. Comes with a M.T. Zimmerman (Dickinson, ND) brow leather holster rig. The maker's marking appears on both the holster and belt. This revolver and holster rig were featured in an article written by Bill Welch as published in the winter 2015 issue of "The Rampant Colt" on pages 38-39. This issue is included. Custer Trail Ranch records indicate that Ewing L. Rafferty from Pittsburgh visited in 1901. Rafferty was Princeton University graduate and a regional writer and poet. His works such as the ballad "The Glory Road" often referenced Pennsylvanian history and culture. Given Rafferty's Pittsburgh roots there may have been a personal connection between Rafferty and the Eaton brothers who were also from Pittsburgh. Therefore, this revolver may have been gifted to Rafferty by the Eatons. In fact, the first guests at the Custer Trail Ranch were the Eaton brother's friends back east. Consignor research is included.

Fine. The revolver retains 50% plus original nickel-plating with the balance a mottled gray patina. There is some minor pitting mostly on the cylinder. The grips are exceptionally fine showing some chipping near the bottom (right panel) and highly attractive color. Mechanically excellent. The holster rig is very good overall showing age and flex wear. The stitching is tight. A notable SAA with factory documented pearl grips, shipped to the famed Custer Trail Ranch and inscribed to an American poet that will enhance even the most advanced Colt collections.