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. This example was manufactured in 1881, in a time when much of the West remained untamed, and it certainly has the classic look of an authentic western working gun. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration (grips and barrel length not listed, as was typical for standard guns) as well as shipment to J.P Moores & Sons on 7 September 1881. J.P Moores was one of Colt's many large distributors, a first stop for thousands of firearms that were destined to head farther west. The top of the barrel has the standard one-line address on top. The left of the frame has the three-line patent dates, and the "45CAL" caliber marking is on the left of the trigger guard. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, back strap. The assembly number "6255" is marked inside the loading gate. It is fitted with blade and groove sights and a smooth walnut one piece grip.

Fine, retains 60% of the untouched original nickel finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a plum-brown patina and a few scattered patches of light pitting, having the look of a true survivor of the plains. The grip is very good and shows the mild wear of years of working use and a some scattered light handling marks. Mechanically fine.