The Colt Single Action Army was one of the most popular handguns in late 19th century and is easily the most iconic and most thoroughly associated with the American West. Offered here is a fine, early example of the legendary Peacemaker in .45 LC. In the words of Colt author and expert David Brown, "[T]he Colt Single Action Army .45 was 'the soldier's friend' throughout the remaining years of the Indian Wars in the West. Adopted also with equal enthusiasm by civilians, it was the pet and the 'good right arm' of lawman and outlaw alike on every American frontier of its era" ("The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army," page 70). The accompanying factory letter confirms the .45 caliber chambering and blue finish. The barrel length and type of stocks are not listed, a common indication of standard 7 1/2 inch barrel and walnut stocks, which this revolver exhibits. The letter also states the revolver was shipped to J.P. Moores Sons of New York City on October 3, 1874. This shipment for 40 guns. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address in script. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates and a German silver front sight. Colt author and expert Keith Cochran noted the rarity of a German silver front sight on early SAAs: "Some of the very early Peacemakers revolvers have a German-silver front sight blade...This type of sight blade is very scarce to rare and pleasant to observe" ("Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Volume 1," page 196). We certainly agree this type of sight makes for a pleasing and stylistic design. The left side of the trigger guard is marked "45 CAL." Matching full or partial serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, and barrel. Provenance: The Richard Atkinson Collection; Property of a Gentleman