"JTC" Serialized Colt SAA Revolver in .44 Russian

In 1966, noted Colt historian and author R.L. Wilson examined this very intriguing, rare, and high condition Colt Single Action Army revolver in .44 Russian, and he recorded his observations in an accompanying letter. Its condition and rare configuration make this black powder frame SAA well worthy of the finest public or private collection. Wilson concluded that the revolver was gifted by the Colt factory to John T. Cleveland, the U.S. sub-inspector of Colt Cavalry Models from August 24, 1876 to March 2, 1877. His hypothesis is based on the “JTC” marking replacing a typical serial number on the frame. Wilson wrote, “James T. Cleveland was obviously a very important person to the Colt factory, someone worthy of generous consideration by all hands. It seems to me altogether logical that this gun would be specially made for him personally, whether as a gift (most likely) or as a favor (a possibility). The marking J.T.C. appears to have been made by using one of Cleveland’s inspector stamps—a distinct means of personalizing this gun. It should be noted that such favors as this were not supposed to have been done by the contractor, but special favors of one form or another were done for government officials (though admittedly only occasionally) and in fact, they still are. As a factory employee I know this to be true from firsthand experience. It is interesting to note at least one other similar instance of a personalized Colt revolver. This was a Root Sidehammer pistol, specially made for Mr. Loren Ballou. Ballou was a superintendent of the factory, and his revolver was stamped with his name on the butt and on the cylinder—in place of the serial numbers! The actual serial was marked on the barrel only.” Contrary to the letter authored by R.L. Wilson, we definitely cannot state that this gun was presented to U.S. Sub-Inspector John T. Cleveland. As for this SAA, John T. Cleveland’s sub-inspector initials “JTC” has taken place of the frame serial number. Thus, “JTC” is the serial number of the gun and makes for a highly personalized marking as it is struck with Cleveland’s own sub-inspector stamp. The no. “884” is stamped on the trigger guard, back strap, barrel, and cylinder. The number “884” falls into the .44 rimfire serial number range for 1877 production, with this example having been factory converted to .44 centerfire. The revolver is factory chambered in .44 Russian. The hammer is in standard Colt centerfire configuration and is casehardened. The barrel carries the one-line Hartford address. The left side of the frame has the two-line, two patent date information. The left side of the trigger guard has “44 CAL” stamped over a faint “22” marking. The caliber marking is certainly factory. The grips are the civilian style with factory applied varnish and numbered “884” in the back strap channel. The superb high luster blue finish on the metal surfaces is of presentation quality. The ownership history of this revolver is intriguing as well. As Brigg Pembertonput it, “I first saw this outstanding Single Action at the Higgins Armory in Worcester, Mass. in 1964 or 65. Johnathan Peck had it on display. I was totally taken by it. I went looking for Jon’s dealer, when I found him, I made it clear that I wanted the gun. He said he doubted if Jon would ever part with it. In January of 1966 the dealer showed Jon a Winchester Rifle. Jon decided that he had to have it. Somehow in this transaction the Single Action ended up in the dealer’s hands. He called and told me that he had it for me. The gun was found by Bill Egan in a Hartford pawn shop. Bill then sold it to Jonathan Peck.”

Condition: Excellent, retaining 90% plus bright original high polish blue finish with flaking visible mostly on the barrel, light cylinder drag lines, and some high edge wear. The frame and hammer retain 97% plus vivid original case colors. The grip is also excellent with some scattered minor handling marks and nearly all of the original varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent. A superb and truly unique example of a black powder Colt Single Action Army revolver.