The included Colt factory letter states this revolver was shipped from Colt to J.F. Schmelzer & Sons Arms Company in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 20, 1898. The letter describes the revolver as caliber .32/20 with 7 1/2 inch barrel, nickel finish and rubber stocks. The side of the front grip strap is inscribed "Bill Kearns Melrose Montana". It is preceded with two incised eagle feathers. Although the identity of this individual is unknown, a search of period Montana newspapers discovered a ranch owner in the Livingston area (about 140 miles separate Livingston from Melrose) and a father from Melrose whose three year old son died in 1924. It is possible that these two William Kearns are one and the same. “Montana: Its Story and Biography, Vol. II” lists a “W.L. Kearns” as a cashier of the Yegen Bank at Gardiner (page 275). The hammer screw is a special screw with over-sized button head. The revolver is accompanied by a lightweight russet leather small loop cartridge belt with the Flatau device which consists of a two-prong, slotted, spring steel clip riveted to an arched, rectangular backplate. The backplate is attached to the belt by four copper rivets. The spring clip engages the revolver hammer screw and attaches the revolver to the belt. The revolver can be quickly disengaged from the clip or swiveled and fired from the belt. The spring clip is stamped: "BRIDGEPORT G.I. CO" and "PAT'D JAN. 17. 1882." They were patented by Louis S. Flatau of Pittsburg, Texas, in 1882 and manufactured by the Bridgeport Gun Implement Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Approximately 500 units were manufactured for U.S. Army trial issue. A smaller number of the Bridgeport Rigs were manufactured for the civilian market. Surviving examples of Bridgeport Rigs are rare. The revolver has a full nickel plated finish. The revolver has the late oval ejector rod head, smokeless powder frame, hammer with bordered knurling on the spur, and cone-shaped firing pin. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the late, elongated block legend; "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in one line. The left side of the barrel is roll-stamped "32 W.C.F." "V" and the caliber designation "32" are stamped on the underside of the barrel ahead of the frame. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt three-date/two-line patent markings followed by the circled Rampant Colt trademark. The assembly number, "227," is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. A "V" inspection mark is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder and in the hammer slot above the firing pin hole. The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The partial serial number "226" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder.

Fine. The revolver retains 80% of the original nickel plated finish with scattered, light handling wear. The heavily worn grips have faded to brown, and the checkering shows handling wear. The revolver markings are crisp. The action is tight and functions well. The cartridge belt is fine with flaking on the edges and on the cartridge loops. The device retains much of the nickel plated finish with some age discoloration. The markings are clear. A Colt Single Action Army Bridgeport Rig is a rare and unique handgun/cartridge belt combination seen only in advanced collections. This rare and unique set obviously have been together for a long time, and the Montana inscription could prove to be very interesting.