Manufactured in 1897. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 4 3/4 inch barrel in highly desirable .44-40 caliber, blue finish and hard rubber stocks when shipped to A.L. Babcock of Billings, Montana, in care of Marlin Firearms Company on July 28, 1897. This was a single gun shipment. The letter doesn't state why Marlin Firearms Co. sent the revolver to Billings; it may have been for their agents to get an idea what the "other guys" were up to. Col. A.L. Babcock was a pioneer Billings banker and business man who first came to the city in 1882 when he opened a hardware store and tin shop with partner A.W. Miles. Ten years later the business became known as the A.L. Babcock Hardware Company. In 1903 he dissolved his hardware interests in Billings. In 1895 he erected both the Yellowstone Flouring Mill and Billings Opera House. Also in 1895 he organized the Billings Telephone Company to which he served as president. He was one of the founders of the Yellowstone National Bank, served under several governors on military staffs with the rank of colonel and was the first state senator from Yellowstone Country. The barrel has the two-line Hartford address on top and "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" stamped on the left side. The frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by a circled Rampant Colt. Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Fitted with pearl grips featuring a relief carved steer head on the right panel.

Very good, retaining scattered traces of original blue finish in the protected areas, otherwise showing the scars and even aged gray patina associated with years of frontier use. The grips likewise show the well-worn look of the frontier spirit: repairs and chips with the carving remaining well-defined. Mechanically excellent. A very appealing antique Colt Frontier Six Shooter SAA showing authentic western character. Provenance: The John Fox Collection.