1878 Colt Single Action Army .44-40 – 7½" – Alan Harton Restoration

Colt Single Action Army .44-40 – 1878 First Generation – Alan Harton Restoration

7½" Barrel | Colt Archive Letter | Professional Alan Harton Restoration | Serial No. 44904

OVERVIEW

Offered here is an especially handsome First Generation Colt Single Action Army chambered in .44-40, serial number 44904, professionally restored and tuned by noted single-action gunsmith Alan Harton of Single Action Service.

More importantly for the collector, this Colt is accompanied by a Colt Archive letter documenting its history back to 1878.

According to the Colt historical records, serial number 44904 was originally chambered in .44-40, finished in blue, and shipped to P. Powers Sons of New York, New York on April 20, 1878, as part of a shipment of 100 revolvers. The archive records do not list the original barrel length or type of stocks.

Today, the revolver presents as a carefully restored example of an early First Generation SAA. The restoration features a 7½" barrel with rich blue finish, color case hardened receiver and loading gate, traditional nitre-blued small parts, and beautifully fitted custom walnut grips.

The significance of the restoration itself should not be overlooked. Alan Harton built his reputation around the repair, restoration, and custom work of traditional single-action revolvers, with particular experience restoring early First and Second-Generation Colt Single Action Armies. His work has been documented extensively within the single-action collecting community. The original revolver was in very poor condition. This restoration represents more than a year's worth of work and was very much a labor of love, with considerable attention given to both the appearance and mechanical execution of the finished Colt.

Rather than representing an untouched survivor, this revolver is best appreciated for exactly what it is: a documented 1878 Colt SAA given a thoughtful, high-quality professional restoration by a highly respected name in traditional single-action work.

SPECIFICATIONS & HIGHLIGHTS

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

Generation: First Generation

Serial Number: 44904

Caliber:.44-40 Winchester

Barrel Length: 7½"

Action: Single Action

Capacity: 6 Rounds

Receiver: Color Case Hardened

Loading Gate: Color Case Hardened

Barrel / Cylinder / Grip Frame: Blued

Small Parts: Nitre Blued

Grips: Custom Walnut

Restoration: Professionally Restored by Alan Harton / Single Action Service

Archive Documentation: Colt Archive Letter Included

Documented Ship Date: April 20, 1878

Originally Shipped To: P. Powers Sons – New York, New York

Original Shipment Quantity: 100

CONDITION

Professionally restored condition with an attractive, period-appropriate presentation. The polished blue, color case hardened components, nitre-blue accents, and custom walnut stocks complement the classic lines of the early Colt Single Action Army exceptionally well.

Please refer closely to the photographs for the current cosmetic condition and details of the restoration.

COLLECTOR NOTES

Serial number 44904 places this revolver firmly within the earliest years of Colt Single Action Army production. The accompanying Colt Archive letter is particularly important, documenting the revolver's original .44-40 chambering, blue finish, April 20, 1878 shipment date, and New York destination directly from Colt's historical records. Colt describes its Archive Letters as documentation drawn from original shipping records and specifically notes their importance in establishing a firearm's historical specifications and provenance. Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC

Because the archive records list neither barrel length nor stocks, we make no representation that the present 7½" barrel or custom walnut grips duplicate this revolver's original 1878 configuration. They are presented as part of the revolver's professional restoration.

For the collector who appreciates early Colt history but also values the craftsmanship represented by a properly executed restoration, this is a particularly interesting example: an authentic 1878 First Generation .44-40 SAA with documented Colt provenance and restoration work by Alan Harton.

INCLUDED

• Colt Single Action Army, Serial No. 44904
• Colt Archive Letter, etc.

COMPLIANCE & SHIPPING

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It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure this item is legal to own in their state and locality. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and reserve the right to cancel any transaction that cannot be completed legally. Once payment and FFL information have been received and verified, your order will be processed for shipment.

Please feel free to reach out to info@tylergunworks.com with any questions or for additional information.