.45 LC. 5.1" barrel length. SN: 171533. (Mfg. Ca 1897) Blued and casehardened metal finish with hardrubber {Rampant Colt} logo grips and a shortened barrel. Single-action loading gate revolver with six-shot cylinder and spring loaded ejector rod with kidney shaped head. Item features the smokeless frame with black powder rifling. The hammer is a modern replacement with intact casehardening and a scalloped firing pin. The barrel has been cut down and the muzzle crowned. Rear sight has been relocated. The left frame features the two-line patent marking reading PAT. SEPT. 18.1871./JULY2. 72. JAN. 19. 75., while the top of the barrel shows the single line address mark reading COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A. Serial numbers match on the frame and gripstraps, but the barrel is numbered 0978 beneath the ejector rod housing. Loading gate assembly number reads 885.
Good as Refinished and Rebuilt. Bore is Frosty with some light pitting and traces of oxidation. The metal finish is a mottled brown patina overall with the barrel having a smooth gray finish patina likely from buffing. The frame shows some scattered light pitting along the forcing cone area and recoil shield. The hammer retains strong case colors with a gray patina forming atop the hammer. Grips are worn with the fine details rubbed off and the checkering worn flat in places. The action times and indexes, but the lockup is loose with substantial wiggle, and the spring is weak.