This is a much sought after example of a pinched frame Colt Single Action Army revolver, serial number 89, that was manufactured in 1873. This revolver has the very rare "pinch-frame" top strap that has been observed on Single Action revolvers through serial number 152 and even more rare, two-line: "PAT.SEPT. 19.1871/PAT.JULY.2.1872" patent markings on the left side of the frame. These rare patent markings are found only on the very earliest Single Action Army revolvers. This revolver is accompanied by a Colt factory letter that lists the key features as: "Serial Number: 89, Caliber: .45/c, Barrel Length: Not Listed, Finish: Blue, Type of Stocks: Not Listed, Shipped To: Spies, Kissam and Company, Address: New York, New York, Date of Shipment: May 30, 1874" and "Number of Same Type of Guns in Shipment: 15". "Not Listed" barrel length and stock indicates that the revolver was shipped with a standard length 7 1/2-inch barrel and one-piece walnut grip. In addition to the pinch-frame top strap, the revolver has the first style ejector housing with barrel boss and the early "bullseye" ejector rod head. The cylinder has the early small bolt stops. The hammer has elongated, bordered, knurling on the spur. The barrel is roll-stamped with the first style, script barrel address: "+COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.+" with slanted crosses at either end. "45 CAL" is stamped on the left shoulder of the trigger guard. Small Colt "C" and "S" sub-inspection marks are stamped on the underside of the barrel on either side of the boss hole and "H" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder between the chambers. The serial number, "89", is stamped: (1) the underside of the barrel, (2) bottom of the frame, (3) bottom of the trigger guard, (4) bottom of the back strap and (5) side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The loading gate lacks the assembly number found on most later production Single Action Army revolvers. The front sight blade has been period-altered to accept a "Jack" style front sight with colored bead. First year production commercial Single Action Army revolvers with pinch frame and two-line, 1872, patent markings are extremely rare. In addition to the Colt factory letter, this revolver is also accompanied by an old letter from the Connecticut State Library still with the original envelop dated 1957, and addressed to Fort Dodge, Iowa, which provides general details of Colt Single Action Army production and indicates this revolver was manufactured in 1873.

Fine with period-modified front sight blade. 30% of the original blue finish remain on the fluted sides of the ejector housing, bottom of the barrel beneath the replaced ejector housing, in the cylinder flutes and on the edges of the trigger guard bow. The balance of the revolver is a mottled, silver-gray with scattered spots of age discoloration and occasional light handling marks and scratches. The barrel has some light pitting at the muzzle. The grip exhibits the same moderate wear as the metal surfaces with old chips at the junction of the frame and grip strap and heavy handling wear on the lower edges of the grip. The barrel legend, patent markings, caliber designation and serial numbers are all clear. The action is crisp but the hammer will not hold at full or half-cock. This is an extremely rare example of a first year production, pinched frame, Colt Single Action Army with first style patent marks and two-digit serial number. This rare revolver would be a key piece in the most advanced Colt Single Action Army collection and is absent in most. This is "fresh" to the collectors market and is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most sought after Colt SAA variations.