The serial number indicates this revolver was manufactured in 1878, but the included factory letter indicates it was not shipped until February 7, 1880, when it was part of a shipment of fifty revolvers of this type to E. C. Meacham Arms Company in St. Louis, Missouri. In the late 19th century St. Louis, "The Gateway to the West" was still a major launching point for those traveling to the Great Plains, California, and the Southwest just as it had been since before Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery left the city on their journey across the Louisiana Territory. The letter confirms the caliber and blue finish and notes that this barrel length and walnut grips were standard at the time. The ejector rod has the early "bullseye" head, and the hammer spur has elongated bordered knurling. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with "COLT'S PT. F A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A." in one-line in block letters. The left side of the frame has the Colt three-line patent markings, and "45 CAL" is stamped on the left shoulder of the trigger guard. The loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "710". A "P" and an "S" are stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. "B" is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole. "C" and "S" Colt inspection marks are stamped on the underside of the barrel behind the ejector housing boss. The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "4432" is stamped on the underside of the barrel beneath the ejector housing, the side of the cylinder, and is hand marked in the back strap recess of the grip.