One might look at this Single Action from several perspectives. It is a very early example of the new technology in Single Actions, the spring loaded cylinder release pin replaces the screw in frame. What does this mean ? You can remove the cylinder without a TOOL ! making it simpler to use. Secondly it has the original grips, the NEW pattern grips. no Eagle, just checkered grips with the Colt Logo at the top. Colt was streamlining production cost, and this grip was less expensive to make. Yet another perspective is the Nickel plating, and how after 127 years it wore ! There is about 50% factory nickel plating remaining, the rest has turned a wonderful and untouched plum patina. This Single Action saw steady use, as demonstrated by the hand wear on the grips, yet 55% nickel is still strongly present.
This Single Action seems to have a great deal of appeal, I guess it would be the remaining Nickel and Patina mixture. Mechanically, it is 100% correct: all hammer notches, cylinder rotation, indexing, locks tight and releases to fire. NO mechanical issues. Many prospective buyers always want to know where did it come from, all I can tell you is it spent most to all it’s time on the plains of Colorado and Wyoming. A Factory Letter would be a fine addition for the shipping destination, who knows it could be a real super ship. ALL factory applied markings are clear and present: barrel address, frame patents, caliber, and ALL matching Serial Numbers. Serial No. 16531X is just a great example of a Frontier Colt. Still a Black Powder Colt !
