The factory letter confirms this Thunderer was shipped to Colt's San Francisco Agency in a lot of ten guns of this type on June 5, 1890, in the current configuration (grips not listed but standard). The revolver's tag from the late western collector John Fox indicates it belonged to Police Chief William Taylor of Anaconda, Montana. He was in charge of the police in Anaconda in 1901-1903 after previously working as a foreman for the lower smelter works of the Anaconda Copper Mining company and was removed from office after being accused of graft, malfeasance, and non-feasance in relation to receiving money from the "red light district" and allowing known illegal enterprises to operate within his jurisdiction. Taylor had numerous political enemies from the start and is known to have brawled with at least one state legislator/city alderman in the representative's saloon. During that battle, he was disarmed and knocked out, but the official story was that he had slipped on the ice. This may have been the revolver he was carrying at the time. One of the headlines read: "Anaconda's Chief of Police Licked." The revolver has a rounded blade front sight, "COLT. D.A. 41" on the left side of the barrel, the three-line patent marking on the left side of the frame, "A.S." and "WKS" stamped on the right side of the trigger guard, a "4" stamped on the back strap behind the hammer, matching serial numbers, and checkered grips with the Rampant Colt trademark embossed at the top. A leather hip pocket holster with "H" stamped in dots to the rear of the barrel is included.

Fine with 30% original blue finish, traces of original case colors, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, distinct markings, and mild overall wear. The grips are also fine and have moderate handling and carrying wear including smoothing of areas of the checkering, and aged tones. Mechanically needs work: neither the hammer or the cylinder properly lock up. The holster is very good and has mild overall wear from age and use. A very interesting set connected to a controversial police chief in Anaconda, Montana, at the beginning of the 20th century. Provenance: The John Fox Collection.