Having its serial number applied in 1940, this is an excellent example of a scarce pre-World War II Colt Single Action Army revolver that was later assembled and finished after the war and kept at the factory until sold in 1972 as part of a dealer only auction put on by Colt. These pre-war/post-war revolvers have been thoroughly discussed in several of the Colt Single Action books. The most noteworthy are by John Kopec and the other by Don Wilkerson. This post-war revolver was numbered in the pre-war serial range, and many were used by Colt for advertising and public relations purposes. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 5 1/2 inch barrel in .38 Special, blue finish and its status as a pre-war/post-war SAA. As typical the type of stocks are not listed. The gun was part of an 18 unit shipment sent on October 3, 1972 to Cherry's Sporting Goods, Geneseo, Illinois. The letter goes on to state, "Subject revolver was part of the remaining inventory of 1st Generation Single Action Army revolvers which were auctioned to selected dealers on a sealed bid basis. Bob Cherry was successful in obtaining eighteen of these revolvers through this auction process." The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top and "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY 38 SPECIAL" on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by a Rampant Colt, and the trigger guard has the Colt factory triangle proof and "F". Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. Includes the original Colt black box numbered to the gun, bore brush, and "Shooting Suggestions."