Colt Single Action Army Gen 1 .38 WCF 7.5" Revolver

The accompanying factory letter states this revolver was shipped on February 10, 1897, to Montgomery Ward & Company in Chicago, Illinois, in .38-40 caliber, with a 7 1/2 inch barrel, nickel finish, and hard rubber grips, with 3 guns of the same type in the shipment. The barrel has the "38 W.C.F." caliber designation on the left. Matching visible serial numbers on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and butt, unnumbered cylinder and grips, with assembly number "731" marked on the loading gate. It has a period shortened blade front sight. Very fine, retains 85% original nickel finish, with flaking to smooth gray patina on the balance, limited minor freckling, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. The grips are excellent, with tight fitment, minimal handling evidence, well-defined edges, and crisp checkering and logos. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection