The accompanying factory letter lists revolver with a 7 1/2 inch barrel in .45 caliber, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and special features "L.P. and targeted" when shipped to Carl Engel of Butte, Montana on March 17, 1909. This was a single gun shipment. Carl Engel (1871-1956) operated a sporting goods store in Butte, Montana, was a deputy sheriff circa 1925-1931 during Prohibition, became an insurance agent after 1931 and resided in Reno, Nevada circa 1952 until his death in 1956. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top and "45 COLT" on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line, three patent dates marking followed by a circled Rampant Colt. As stated in the letter, the revolver had been factory tuned for a "light pull and targeted" before it left the factory. Matching serial numbers are on the frame, both grip panels ("6056"), trigger guard and back strap. Montana passed a statewide prohibition of alcohol by referendum in November 1916 which went into effect in late 1918 ahead of national prohibition. Butte was home to hundreds of bars before prohibition went into effect, and it is not surprising that it and other Montana towns became home to bootleggers and organized crime during prohibition. Montana was also the first state to repeal enforcement of prohibition in 1926 and the last to officially ratify the 21st Amendment ending national prohibition.

Very fine. The barrel, ejector rod housing and cylinder retain 85% original blue finish and the grip straps retain 40% plus original blue finish with the balance a smooth gray patina. 80% original case colors remain on the hammer and frame. The grips are very good with a hairline crack near the top (left panel), some minor handling marks and some wear in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. An attractive Colt SAA special ordered for the Montana open ranges. Provenance: The John Fox Collection.