The factory letter lists this revolver as one of five in a July 11, 1883, shipment to Hartley & Graham in New York City in .45 caliber with a 4 inch barrel and blue finish. It has standard sights, no ejector, the two-line barrel address, "45 CAL" on the left side of the trigger guard, matching serial numbers on the cylinder and butt, assembly number "623" on the back of the loading gate and the heel on the left, a smooth left grip and a raised relief carved steer head on the right grip. Though based in New York, Hartley & Graham were wholesalers and many of the firearms that passed through their doors actually ended up in the West where steer head grips like this were popular thanks to the numerous stockmen and cowboys.

Fine with patches of original blue finish in the protected areas and otherwise an attractive aged gray and brown patina throughout giving it some attractive "frontier" character, some filing at the caliber marking, replaced loading gate stud, mild scratches and marks, small spots of pitting, and general mild overall wear. The grips are fine with a pinned repaired break on the left, some age cracks, replaced hardware, and worn but distinct carving. Mechanically excellent. A classic Colt model popular on the frontier in desirable ejectorless configuration and also fitted with a nice western themed grip. Provenance: The John Fox Collection.