This is an exceptional example of a factory engraved Colt Single Action Army revolver with serial numbered carton and Colt factory letter. This revolver and carton are illustrated and described on page 569 of "THE COLT ENGRAVING BOOK VOLUME TWO" by R.L. Wilson. The Colt letter describes "Colt Single Action Army Revolver #347149 as: Calibre .38 Colt, Barrel length 5 1/2", Finish Blue, Stocks - Not listed," and "Factory engraved Yes (style of engraving not listed)". The letter further states that this revolver was shipped to "W.S. Brown, Pittsburg, Pa." on November 18, 1924, as a one gun shipment. The revolver features Colt Style B scroll engraving executed by Colt's master engraver Wilbur A. Glahn and walnut, two-piece, checkered stocks with deeply inlaid Colt medallions. The barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard, back strap, screws and trigger are blued, and the frame, loading gate and hammer are color casehardened. The hammer has border-less knurling on the spur. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the legend: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in one line. The left side of the barrel is roll-stamped: "38 COLT" in a scroll-work panel. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt "Three-Date/"Two-line" patent marks with engraved borders followed by the Rampant Colt trademark. A "3" assembler's mark and the Colt "Triangle/VP" proof mark are stamped on the left side of the trigger guard bow. A Colt "F" inspection mark is stamped in the hammer well. The assembly number "1867" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate and on the right side of the frame beneath the grip. The full serial number is located on the bottom of the frame and on the right side of the trigger guard and back strap beneath the grip. The partial serial number "49" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder between the chambers. All of the visible serial numbers match. The revolver is complete with the original, purple cardboard carton. The revolver serial number and "38-SA" are written in black grease pencil on the bottom of the carton. The left end of the carton has a blue and white label: "5 1/2 Colt's Army SA Revolver .38". Below that marking is a blue tape printed: "WOOD BLUE". The left end of the carton lid has a white label printed "ENGRAVED." in black letters. The inside of the carton has a black and white label with Colt's patent information and hand-typed cleaning instructions. The carton is complete with Colt's "Special Instructions" pamphlet, a bore brush in the original paper sleeve and oil paper wrapping.

Near mint. This revolver is all original and retains 98% of the blue and color casehardened finish. There are traces of finish wear on the left edge of the muzzle and the edge of the ejector housing. The cylinder has a very faint turn line between the stops, and there is a tiny scratch on the back strap. The face of the trigger shows some minor finish wear. The frame and loading gate have nearly all of the vivid case colors. The forward edges of the hammer show some contact wear but the exposed portions of the hammer retain nearly all of the strong case colors. The flawlessly executed scroll engraving is deep and crisp. All of the markings are sharp. The two piece walnut grips are in excellent plus condition with 98% of the original finish, sharp checkering and minimal handling wear. The carton is in good overall condition. The lid is missing a 2-inch portion of the right front side, and there is old tape reinforcement along the edges of the lid. The body of the carton has some edge wear and finish chips but the carton is solid. The labels on the left end are original and mostly (right side of "ENGRAVED" label absent) complete. The carton interior is in very good overall condition. This single action is truly one of the best of the best!