The factory letter lists this fascinating revolver as one of five guns of this type in a shipment to famed New York retailer Hartley & Graham on June 4, 1885, in .45 caliber with 4 3/4 inch barrels, "Soft" finish, and grips not listed. The remarks state that "soft" finish "indicates subject revolver was shipped without final finishing for engraving outside our factory." The revolver has classic L.D. Nimschke style New York engraving consisting of scroll patterns with beaded backgrounds, wavy line designs and accents, and "Nimschke stars". Cuno Helfricht and the factory engravers of the period also used similar patterns. The revolver is finished with nickel plating and niter blue screws. The barrel has a blade front sight and the two-line Hartford address. The ejector has the oval head. The frame has the three-line patent marking. The trigger guard is marked "45 CAL" on the left side of the bow. The assembly number "1262" is marked on the loading gate. The matching serial number, "114611," is marked on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The revolver wears a set of period pearl grips. The right panel features a relief carved steer head. From its Hartley & Graham engraving to its steer head carved pearl grips, this documented "soft shipped" Colt SAA radiates late 19th century wealth and the personal touches for any affluent cattle rancher looking for a status symbol carried at the hip. Provenance: The Paul E. Schweizer Collection; The J.P. Stevens Collection; The John Gangel Collection; The Greg Lampe Collection

Exceptionally fine, retaining 90% of the original retailer finish with high edge wear, a patch of pitting on the back strap and crisp engraving. The grips are very fine with a few scattered small surface chips and crisp carving. Mechanically excellent. A highly attractive and documented "soft shipped" Hartley & Graham New York engraved antique Colt SAA featuring period relief steer head carved pearl grip that will be a welcomed addition to any SAA or firearms art collection.