This revolver is identified in R.L. Wilson's "The Book of Colt Firearms" as a factory experimental model and the last target SAA manufactured in the pre-World War II serial series (see page 263) with this exact revolver photographed bottom right of the aforementioned page. According to Wilson, factory records will show that the revolver was shipped in April 1947 to Philip Schwartz of the Colt Firearms Company. The revolver is consecutively serialized to another experimental target revolver (351424), which is chambered in .38-40 caliber (see page 263). Wilson also notes that this revolver shares the same serial number with an experimental split cylinder .22 caliber SAA (see page 264). Wilson explains, "Duplicated serials in the same model are of the utmost rarity. The accident in this instance is understandable due to the experimental nature of the weapons involved." The unmarked barrel on this revolver measures 6 inches, an unusual length as standard flattop target SAAs had 4 3/4, 5, 5 1/2, 7, 8, or 9 inch barrels. The hammer has a low spur, another unusual feature. The left side of the frame is stamped with the two-line patent date markings. A Colt triangle verified proof is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard. The trigger guard and back strap are numbered to the gun. The assembly number "2" is stamped on the rear of the frame and loading gate. "R" and "53" stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. Provenance: Robert Q. Sutherland.

Excellent. The revolver retains 98% of the blue finish showing some scattered minor high edge wear and some minor handling marks. Some finished over pitting is present on the hammer spur. The slightly undersized replacement grips are fine with some minor handing evidence and highly attractive grain and color. Mechanically excellent. A highly prized, documented experimental target revolver for the SAA collector who seems to have it all!