Manufactured in 1908 and chambered in the rare and desirable .44 Russian cartridge. Only an estimated 154 standard frame SAAs were manufactured for the .44 Russian cartridge upon which the .44 Special was based (see David Brown's "The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver," page 112). Brown explained the rarity of the .44 Russian SAA: "The .44 Russian cartridge had become popular in several competitive revolvers, so Colt made it also in the Single Action. They were not mass produced, were made on special orders only, so this caliber also is considered rare." This example has a period replacement beaded blade front sight which fits over the shaved down original blade sight. The period sight is held in place by a pin. The included factory letter confirms the 7 1/2 inch barrel in .44 Russian and blue finish with type of stocks not listed. The letter also states the revolver was shipped to John M. Smyth Co. of Chicago, Illinois, on December 5, 1908. This shipment was for a single gun. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top and is marked "44 RUSSIAN CTG" on the left side. The left side of the frame is marked with the two-line patent dates marking along with a circled Rampant Colt, and the left side of the trigger guard is marked with the number "6" and a Colt "VP" proof. The matching serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The revolver wears a set of checkered Rampant Colt hard rubber grips.

Fine. The barrel, ejector rod housing and the cylinder retain 50% original blue finish with the balance a smooth gray patina, and the grip straps retain 20% original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina. 30% original case colors remain on the hammer and frame. The grips are very good with heavily worn checkering. Mechanically fine. A first generation SAA in scarce .44 Russian that is missing from even the most advanced Colt collections.