As documented in Robert Lee and R.L. Wilson's "Magnificent Colts" on pages 334-335, this extremely rare factory Colt revolver is one of a small number of SAAs which were built with an automatic ejector by the Colt factory around 1876 and is only one of two known exhibiting a similar ejector system designed by Stephen W. Wood. The ejector system works when the hammer is placed in half cock and then the cylinder is manually turned, ejecting each casing one at a time. The design compares to Wood's U.S. patent no. 178824, June 13, 1876, for an automatic ejector. Obviously, modifications had to be made in order for this system to work. The frame and barrel were manufactured without provisions for an ejector rod. A new type of long cylinder pin with fine knurled head for easier removal was designed. Alterations were made to the loading gate and frame to accommodate the cylinder with the ejection system. The other only known SAA revolver with this type of automatic ejector, serial number 24821, is on display at the Raymond Baldwin Museum in Connecticut. Besides sharing a similar ejector design, both revolvers have the bright civilian blue and casehardened finish and varnished walnut grip. According to Wilson, this revolver "is listed in various ledgers of the Colt firearms company, including in a manuscript and the title List of Firearms Collection in The Colt Company Museum, c. 1925." The complexity of the mechanism, the addition of more parts and the increased likelihood of dirt clogging the system in the field doomed the design. The automatic ejector systems Colt tested in the 1870s was an attempt by the factory to make reloading easier and faster. Without a doubt Winchester's experimentation in revolver design during the period also inspired Colt to perfect an automatic ejector system. The top of the barrel is stamped with the one-line Hartford address, and the two-line patent address (factory double struck) on the left side of the frame. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder and barrel.

Excellent. The revolver retains 97% of the original bright high polish blue finish showing some minor thinning and handling marks. The hammer and frame retain 95% plus vivid original case colors. The grip is also excellent with some minor handling marks and retaining most of the original varnish. Mechanically excellent. A Colt SAA collection cannot be considered truly complete without this exceptionally rare specimen with factory automatic ejector. The only other known example is housed in a museum! Provenance: Colt Museum, Charles L. Bricker and Robert M. Lee.