When introduced in 1877, the .44-40 W.C.F. Single Action Army, or Frontier Six Shooter, was intended to be used in conjunction with another legendary western icon, the Winchester Model 1873 rifle, which came standard in the same chambering. "The .44-40 WCF was added to the list of Colt calibers for use with the popular Winchester rifle of the same caliber," wrote Colt author David Brown. "This combination of a rifle and a six shooter using the same cartridge made it possible for their user to buy only one kind of ammunition, and he could carry 'fodder' for both guns in the same cartridge belt." It has the standard one-line address on top of the barrel and "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" in an etched panel on the left. The left side of the frame is marked with the three-line patent dates. Matching serial numbers are visible on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, and the partial matching number is marked on the barrel under the ejector rod housing. The assembly number "1086" is marked inside the loading gate. The included 2007 dated factory letter address to John Fox confirms the current configuration (grips not listed) as well as shipment to Simmons Hardware Co. in St. Louis on 15 August 1883. Simmons Hardware was a large distributor of arms at the time, many of which made their way farther into the American West. Provenance: The John Fox Collection; Property of a Gentleman