Manufactured in 1876. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with .45 caliber chambering, blue finish and not listed stocks and barrel length when shipped to H&D Folsom Arms Co. of New York City on October 31, 1876. This was a 50 gun shipment. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address, the left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates, and the left side of the trigger guard is marked "45 CAL." The name "Frank W. Woodard" is script engraved on the right side of the frame. Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder ("7427"), and barrel ("7427"). The grip features a relief carved buffalo head on the right side. Unfortunately the identity of Frank W. Woodard has not been confirmed, but a search of period sources indicate several Frank Woodards living throughout the United States including Francis "Frank" Wooley Woodward a carriage painter in Carson City, Nevada, cited as one of the city's pioneers who arrived in the area the year before this revolver was manufactured and another Frank Woodward (no middle initial given) who was an accused outlaw implicated in the murder of the police chief of Titusville, Pennsylvania, in 1899. The chief of police was mortally wounded in a shootout when he and other officers were investigating a train station robbery conducted by Woodward and his accomplices.

Good with great character overall, retaining 20% period reapplied nickel plating in and around the protected areas with the balance a smooth gray patina with some pitting and custom front sight fitted on a shortened barrel. The worn grip likewise wears its imperfections with pride: chips and some typical hairline age cracking. The carving remains distinct. Mechanically fine. Rich with authentic character this SAA will add dimension to any Colt collection. Provenance: The John Fox Collection.