This great Colt has been in some pretty famous Colt collector's collections. From R.L Wilson to Johnie Bassett to Herb Glass . I acquired it from the man who bought it from Herb Glass 37 years ago.  The pistol is in excellent untouched condition.  The Colt letter states that this was sent to Samuel Colt at the Willard Hotel in Washington , D.C.  The Willard Hotel is where Sam Colt would have went to promote his latest product  in order to interest the proper Govt. officals  and get a contract. Actually, the term lobbying was coined in the lobby of the Willard Hotel and is still used today.  Colt  did get a contract for 1100 pistols. So we know that Samuel Colt actually held this particular pistol . But also this may be the first full round cylinder as to up to serial # 11 and earlier were all fluted cylinders. If someone out there  has serial #12  please contact me.   

Sold