The accompanying photographed letter of provenance (January 1988) from noted firearms dealer and expert Herb Glass, Sr. identifies this revolver as one of four Colt factory tool room samples built for the purpose of developing ejector rod shrouds to compete with designs by Smith & Wesson, as recommended by Glass, a consultant to Colt for 22 years. All four revolvers were once part of Colt President Fred Roff's personal collection. Glass purchased the revolvers from Roff's widow, sold the guns to Richard Mellon and repurchased the guns in 1987. The small frame size resembles that of a Banker's or Detective Special. A Rampant Colt is stamped on the left side plate, and a Colt triangle proof and letter "J" are stamped on the left side of the trigger guard. The back strap is inscribed "MODEL ROOM-COLT'S."

Excellent. The revolver retains 98% of the blue finish showing some minor dings and scratches. The grips are very fine with some scattered minor blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A documented piece of Colt history that is a must have for the serious Colt double action revolver collector.