The included factory letter states this revolver was shipped on October 24, 1902 to A.M. Holter Hardware Company of Helena, Montana as part of a four gun shipment with a 5 1/2 inch barrel in .41 caliber and blue finish. In standard Colt fashion the grips are "Not Listed". Montana pioneer Anton Martinius Holter (1831-1921), the "father of the lumber industry in Montana", arrived in the United States in 1854 from his native country of Norway as a carpenter in Iowa and Wisconsin. In the heat of the Montana gold strikes and outlaw activity, Holter strategically migrated to the new city of Helena in 1863 and made his fortune in Montana lumber, farming, real estate and hardware, and served on Montana's first territorial council and first legislature, and Helena's first school board. Several Montana institutions and landmarks are named in honor of A.M. Holter. In Helena, he founded several general merchandise and hardware companies, including the well known A.M. Holter Hardware Company at 113 North Main Street, which opened circa 1886 and remained in business until 1958, supplying various necessities during the most interesting times of Helena. The barrel of this revolver has the one-line Hartford address on top and "41 COLT" on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking and circled Rampant Colt. The hard rubber checkered grips have the circled Rampant Colt at the top. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Very fine overall with authentic Western care exhibited, retaining 60% original smooth case colors, 65% plus original blue with some flaking on the edges, muzzle, and ejector housing, with faded grip straps from sweaty palms and cylinder wear evident of a few cowboy spins. Grips are very fine as turned to an attractive brown patina. Mechanically excellent. A pleasing Montana Colt from the right time and right place in history.