Manufactured in 1902. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 4 1/2 inch barrel in .41 caliber, blue finish and type of stocks not listed when shipped to Anaconda Copper Mining Co. of Montana with locations in Butte, Anaconda and Great Falls on August 23, 1902. Originally a silver mine owned by prospector and Union Civil War veteran Michael Hickey, the name Anaconda Mine was derived from Horace Greeley’s Civil War description of Ulysses S. Grant’s tactic of surrounding Robert E. Lee’s forces “like an anaconda.” Hickey sold his mine to Marcus Daly in 1881 when the silver lodes were increasing showing more copper. This was at the dawn of the electrical age when a spike in the demand for copper was just around the corner. With shrewd foresight, Daly and his investors, that included George Hearst, father of famed newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst, developed the mine into one of the largest trusts of the early 20th century with mining operations in North America and Chile. Standard Colt markings and matching assembly numbers on the frame, crane, cylinder latch and both grip panels. In the included notarized letter Nancy Taylor Farel proclaims this revolver once belonged to her grandfather, William Albert Taylor (1864-1931), who arrived in Anaconda, Montana, from Leadville, Colorado, was the chief of police in Anaconda and later served as undersheriff for Anaconda. A photograph of Taylor wearing his police uniform and “Chief” cap is included. The revolver, states Farel, was presumably Taylor's service weapon. Note that the “3” in the serial number (187301) is incorrectly recorded in the letter as a “2,” a simple clerical error. In an accompanying 2002 dated letter addressed to collector Robert W. Smith, reference historian Brian Shovers of the Marcus Dailey Historical Museum in Anaconda explained that the local historical record confirms William A. Taylor was the undersheriff of Anaconda in 1905-06, but Shovers found no evidence of Taylor serving as police chief of Anaconda. Copies of city directories confirming Taylor as the undersheriff of Anaconda are included. Without a doubt William Taylor served in law enforcement in Anaconda, Montana, and with a manufactured date of 1902 and Taylor family history, it is certainly reasonable to conclude that this revolver was the service weapon carried by Taylor. Comes with a brown leather holster rig featuring "MORAN BRO'S/MILES CITY M.T." maker marking on the front of the holster. Already well accomplished saddle markers by the time they opened their own shop in 1879, brothers Thomas and Hugh Moran are believed have operated the first saddlery in legendary cattle town Miles City, Montana. Around 1895 the bothers sold their business to Charles E. Coggshall.

Very good plus, retaining 40% original blue finish with the balance a smooth gray patina. The grips are fine with minor handling marks and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. The holster rig is very good with a few small holes on the holster, flex wear and age cracking. A New Army/Navy Revolver Montana Rig linked to an Anaconda, Montana Lawman that will add dimension to any Colt or Western collection.