Manufactured in 1906 in scarce .32-20 WCF caliber. Matching assembly numbers are on cylinder latch, frame, crane and both grip panels. The side plate has the presentation inscription: "Robrt. T. Hodge/Sheriff/King County/Seattle U.S.A./1915." Hodge (1875-?) was the King County Sheriff from 1909 to 1913. In one of the more unusual incidents in Seattle politics, Sheriff Hodge was placed under arrest by the only officer in the county legally empowered to arrest the sheriff, the coroner. He was charged in a grand jury indictment for willful neglect of duty. The alleged crime: "knowingly and willfully neglecting to enforce the law against the possession and operation of slot machines" as well as for not removing Jailer Roberts from office after commanded by the grand jury. Later, the Washington State Supreme Court heard a case against Sheriff Hodge. Hodge, said the Court, violated state prohibition by seizing "several thousand dollars worth of wines and other liquors" from two men. One of the men was William E. Boeing, founder of the Seattle based aircraft manufacturing company that bears his name. He left the Sheriff's Department to run a failed gubernatorial campaign on the Bull Moose ticket that left his messy divorce on the front pages of the local newspapers. He never again sought public office.

Very fine, retaining 85% original blue finish with high edge and holster type wear, thinning to brown, a mottled brown-gray patina on the back strap and a couple patches of pitting. 90% original nitre blue remains on the hammer and trigger. The grips are also very fine showing scattered minor handling marks and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. A highly interesting presentation revolver inscribed to a controversial Progressive era politician that will bring added dimension to any Colt collection. Provenance: The John Fox Collection.