An engraved Colt SAA like this example was a status symbol in the Old West. Outlaws, lawman, cattle ranchers, and more are known to have ordered engraved Single Action Army revolvers and to have worn them with pride. The factory letter confirms this revolver was shipped "soft" in .45 caliber to Schoverling, Daly & Gales in New York City on January 9, 1882, in a lot of ten guns of this type. This confirms the revolver was shipped without finally finishing for engraving in New York. Also includes a prior sales receipt for the revolver from Douglas R. Carlson Antique American Firearms from 2007. Schoverling, Daly & Gales were one of the largest firearms importers and distributors of the late 19th century. The revolver features 75% engraving coverage consisting primarily of floral and scroll pattern engraving along with some nice shell and wavy line accents and punch dot backgrounds. The revolver had its barrel shortened to 4 3/4 inches and refitted with a tall blade front sight. It is marked with "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." on top of the barrel, the three-line patent marking on the left side of the frame partially covered by engraving, "45 CAL" on the left side of the trigger guard, assembly number "1241" on the loading gate, matching serial numbers on the frame and grip straps, and "one-piece" style grips (two panels with a wood spacer). Also included is a "J.S. COLLINS & CO/CHEYENNE, WYO./45" marked single loop brown leather holster and an unmarked brown leather cartridge belt with twenty-two cartridges. J.S. Collins and Company of Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory, opened around 1885.

This revolver clearly didn't sit in someone's fancy suburban home for nearly 240 years. It was used regularly in the late 19th century. It retains 25% retailer nickel plating and displays a very attractive and dark brown patina on the balance suggestive of a colorful life of use in the tumultuous times of the late 19th century, mild oxidation and pitting, and general moderate overall wear consistent with its age. The engraving and most of the markings remain generally distinct. The attractive grips are similarly moderately worn and aged and display an attractive hand worn aged patina, natural grain and tones and mild age cracks. Mechanically fine. The holster and belt are also very good and have some absent thread but are otherwise only mildly worn suggesting use but proper care. This is a classic "Old West" rig centered on an awesome retailer engraved Single Action Army from 1882 when outlaws and vigilantes still road the open range. Provenance: The John Fox Collection.