FLUTED BLACK POWDER FRAME COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER 3 1/2" SHERIFF'S MODEL SAA REVOLVER. EX KOPEC COLLECTION. Cal. 44-40. S# 122354. Mfg. 1889. Bbl. 3 1/2". Exceptionally rare in any configuration, this revolver has a number of features that make it truly stand out. "Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia Vol. 1" by Keith Cochran, using survey statistics based on 167 surveyed revolvers, with the total estimated production of Sheriff's Model Colts (1,000), there were a scant 305 manufactured with 3 1/2" barrels. Additionally, of that 1,000, only 180 were chambered in 44-40. Utilizing specific numbers found in "THE OFFICIAL RECORD OF THE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER" By Don Wilkerson, Carol Wilkerson & Colt Historian Kathleen Hoyt, of the serial numbers 1-164,100 (1896), a total of 122 ejectorless model were found chambered in 44-40. Of those, 34 were manufactured with a 3 1/2" barrel. Of the 3 1/2" 44-40s only 10 were nickel finished. It should also be noted that page 72 of "A STUDY OF THE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY" by Graham, Kopec & Moore states "Above SN 130,000, around 1890, the percentage so SMs manufactured in 44-40 caliber dropped sharply for some unknown reason. Our survey lists only six 44-40 ejectorless SAs from #130,000 through the end on SM production. This revolver was manufactured with a first type "fluted" frame. "A STUDY OF THE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY" by Graham, Kopec & Moore states on page 67 "Beginning in the 122,000 or 123,000 SNR the specially forged fluted Sheriff's Model frames were discontinued" making this revolver one of the last produced with this style frame. Accompanying letter from Ron Graham regarding this revolver also states "Research has determined that the factory produced approximately 150-175 of these "fluted frame" Sheriff's Models". Bbl. marked on left side with acid etched panel "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER". Bottom of bbl. stamped with small "44". Top of bbl. has 2 line bbl. address. Left side of frame marked with 3 line patent date. Left front of trigger guard bow marked "44 CAL". Gun is fitted with proper 2 piece checkered hard rubber eagle grips. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Colt Industries letter dated May 19, 1969 with the following "Caliber 44-40/ Barrel Length 3 1/2"/ Finish Nickel/ Type of stocks Rubber/ Sold & shipped to J. F. Schmelzer & Sons/ Address Kansas City, Mo./ Date of shipment April 18, 1889/ Number of same type guns in shipment 1" Also accompanied is a John Kopec letter dated Feb. 23, 1999 confirming that he purchased the gun in 1975 and that it was never altered in the 24 years he owned it. Letter from Colt Historian Ron Graham regarding this specific revolver. CONDITION: metal finish is gray / patina with no original nickel remaining. Etched panel is faint but visible and appears original. Above letter from Graham states "At sometime in the past, that nickel was professionally removed. While collectors do not prefer to have original finish removed from a firearm, the fact that this SA was not buffed or polished by an amateur is extremely fortunate. This outstanding COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER panel survived only because of someone's professionalism." Grips show wear commensurate with age. Very good bore with lightly frosted appearance has sharp rifling. Mechanically excellent. This revolver would be a notable addition to most any advanced Single Action collection. PROVENANCE: Ex John Kopec collection 1975-1999. (01-25371/BH) ANTIQUE. $15,000-25,000.