This is a very fine example of an early Colt Single Action Army revolver that was manufactured in 1896 and has the desirable nickel plated finish. Two important or distinctive changes were made during this time: one was that Colt started to use its distinctive "Circled" Rampant Colt logo on the side of the frame, and two around serial number 165,000 they switched from the old style "black powder" frames to the new style frames that can be easily identified by the cross-pin in the frame versus the screw through the front. The top of the barrel is marked "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.", left side is marked "32 W.C.F.", and the left side of the frame has the two line, three patent date marking followed by the circled Rampant Colt. The matching serial numbered is marked on the frame, trigger guard and back strap, and the rear of the cylinder is stamped with the letter "V". The loading gate is marked with the assembly number "884". The grips are later 2nd or 3rd Generation two piece walnut with the Colt silver medallions. The included factory letter lists this revolver with a 7 1/2 inch barrel in .32-20 caliber, nickel finish and hard rubber stocks when shipped to Simmons Hardware Co., St. Louis, Missouri, on November 10, 1896.

Very fine. The revolver retains 75% of the original nickel plated finish with most of the wear on the grip straps, some flaking on the cylinder, frame and trigger guard, and some loss of finish on the sides of the hammer. The barrel, although having excellent nickel finish, may have an old polish that has left a circular pattern, with a different color than the rest of the pistol, but the finish is original. The later production replacement grips are very good and are a bit ill-fitting on the back strap and have been modified by adding later production Colt silver medallions on each side. Overall the grips show some scattered minor dings and dents. With the exception of a small portion of the circle around the Rampant Colt fading, the markings are crisp and clear. The action functions fine.