Manufactured in 1884. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 7 1/2 inch barrel (currently 4 3/4 inches) in .44-40 caliber, blue finish and type of stocks not listed when shipped to Thomas Carter of Salt Lake City, Territory of Utah on October 6, 1886. Ten notches are marked on the left side of the frame under the cylinder, raising questions as to what the user was tallying out on the frontier. The ejector rod has a half moon head. Matching numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder ("4783"), and barrel ("4783"). Although the identify of Thomas Carter has not been confirmed, period sources indicate a Thomas Carter arrived in Salt Lake City in 1863 from Canada and started in the mining business before operating a sporting goods store. He served two terms as city sexton and died in 1912. The accompanying brown leather holster rig has the boxed "A.L. FURSTNOW/MILES CITY, MONT." maker's marking on the belt tongue and front of the holster. Located in eastern Montana, legendary cattle town Miles City was the "end of the trail" for many Texas longhorn cattle drives in the 1890s. It was also home to Al Furstnow who opened his own saddlery shop in 1894. Not long after he partnered with fellow local Charles E. Coggshall to become the only major saddlery company between Billings and Dickinson, but in 1889 the partnership dissolved and a rivalry began that lasted for the next 50 years.

Excellent for a 1880 Utah Territory working gun with great presence and character, with a mixture of smooth gray and brown patinas and some scattered pitting. The trigger pull is lightened, front sights removed and barrel shorted to "gun fighter" configuration. Its "flaws" are its appeal. It gets not more authentic! Mechanically fine. The holster rig is very good holster toe plug absent, repositioned tongue, minor wear. Without a doubt this SAA is a true frontier survivor!