The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 5 1/2 inch smoothbore barrel in .44-40 caliber, blue finish, and type of stocks not listed when sold to Craft Hardware Co. and shipped to Simmons Hardware Co. of St. Louis, Missouri, on November 8, 1921. This was a single gun shipment. This is one of five smoothbore .44-40 Colt New Service revolvers exempted and listed by serial number by the BATFE in the Curio or Relics List out of around 356,000 total New Service revolvers. Thus, they are true rarities and particularly desirable as examples of arms that would otherwise be restricted by the National Firearms Act. The BATFE letter granting this revolver Curio or Relics status is included. Aside from the special factory smoothbore barrel, it has the standard markings and features, including matching serial numbers on the frame, crane, and grips. Smoothbore revolvers and lever action rifles/carbines were often employed by trick shooters and Wild West shows. The latter had mostly ended by the 1920s, but exhibition shooters remained popular, including marksmen and sharpshooting ladies sponsored by firearms companies like Colt and Winchester. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Fine overall with 60% original blue finish with holster and edge wear, thinning on the grip straps, a period modified front sight blade, and some scattered pitting/spotting. The grips are also fine with softened checkering. Mechanically excellent. Do not miss your chance to get your hands on this Colt rarity!