Manufactured in 1905. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 4 3/4 inch barrel in .45 caliber, blue finish, checkered wood stocks and milled grip straps when shipped to Carl Engel of Butte, Montana, on November 4, 1905. The milled grip straps and checkered grips are highly desirable special order factory features. The revolver also has standard Colt markings, a period altered front sight, and matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The back of the left grip panel is hand marked in pencil "R.J. PAXSON/2011 ABERDEEN." As explained in a research memo written by Waddy Colvert, Carl Engel (1871-1956) operated a sporting goods store in Butte, Montana, was a deputy sheriff circa 1925-1931, became an insurance agent after 1931 and resided in Reno, Nevada circa 1952 until his death in 1956. Copies of city directories related to Engel are included. An SAA (serial number 306060) is documented as being received by Engel in the "Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia," Volume 2 on page 118. It is also known that Engel received one of 500 100th anniversary of the birth of Samuel Colt medallions. Comes with a brown leather holster rig featuring "MORAN BRO'S/MILES CITY M.T." maker marking on the front of the holster and belt. Period large decorative brass rivets adorn the belt. 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 brothers sold their business to Charles E. Coggshall.

Fine, retaining 60% original blue finish and 40% original case colors with the balance a smooth gray patina. The grips are also fine with some minor handling marks and some scattered blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The holster is very good with period in the field added waist notches and typical wear associated with age and use on the open range. A special order SAA rig with Montana history.