Black Powder Colt Single Action .45 / Colt Factory Letter/ Shipped TWO TIMES by Colt, 1884, 1896

This is an extremely interesting Colt Single Action .45. The Colt Factory Letter states this Colt was shipped TWICE. First time in 1884 to The Government. First point of interest, there is NO US on the frame. However  the 3 line patent is present and very clear and sharp. Another point, the cylinder has a DFC on it, which by date alone would be correct, as this is a DFC era Single Action . Also, found on most DFC era SAA’s the Factory Letter “G” appears on the trigger guard and back strap butt.  No, “P’s any where. One line barrel address,. Today, it has about 50% bright nickel showing minimal wear use loss. The balance is a dark gray-brown patina.  ALL factory applied markings are crisp and clear: all matching serial numbers, caliber on trigger guard shoulder, original Cylinder Pin( hole in end”. The WORKING Action is incredibly crisp and perfect. ALL Hammer notches, cylinder rotation, indexing, locking tight to fire, releasing to fire. 100% mechanically correct  SAA. The remaining nickel is clean and lustrous, even some blue screws, and clean slots, no tool damage. It has it’s Original 1 Piece Walnut grips, with a smooth hand wear patina, no chips, cracks, etc… very good grips.  **Here is where it gets interesting, this Colt Was returned to the Factory, and shipped again, ON Jan.31, 1896, to the government. This Colt received continuous use since that date, as 50% of the nickel finish has worn off. POINT OF INTEREST: one time, Colt sent out to the government SAA’s with barrel lengths of 4-13/16  inch.  The barrel on this SAA .45 is 5-10/16 inch long, and perfectly crowned. **The Colt Letter details, shipped twice, 1884, then again January 31, 1896. Stating at that time the barrel was reduced to 5-1/2 inches. IMPORTANT 5-1/2 inches equates to 5-8/16th long. **You cannot believe that someone else shortened the barrel by 2/16″ IF ? the factory did not apply nickel finish, then it was immediately there after, long before 1900. The hammer has crisp knurling, ans 75% nickel finish. Holding this Colt just feels right, in appearance, and function GREAT appearing Colt with a unique history. A great Remarks section on the Factory Letter. A unique Colt SAA !!! an excellent choice for a collection.