Bought this at a local show. It is a 3-digit serial number under 500. Much of the finish is gone from the frame and cylinder, but it is not pitted. The 7 1/2" barrel has been replaced with a newer tapered one (though the last patent date on it is 1905). If the cylinder is also supposed to match the frame and crane, then it is a replacement as well (had a different 3-digit number under the extractor). The bore and chambers are in very good shape without pitting. Timing and lockup are very good. The hard rubber grips are in pretty good shape with no cracks or chips, but one small spot that looks pressed or melted in (see butt picture).
The dealer I purchased it from said he had called Colt and it was made in 1899. He thinks Colt actually replaced the barrel, but I don't have any evidence of that. Under the grips are no unexpected stampings or dates. Just a "0" on the left side near the grip pin.
I actually bought this to pair with an "El Tigre" Spanish-made copy of the Winchester 1892 (also in 44-40). I like having rifle/revolver combos and it was just too easy to pair this rifle with a SAA-type revolver. I do intend to shoot it, but now that I've done some reading and see that the first variation N-S revolvers are more fragile and more difficult to repair, I think I chose poorly.
Anyway...any and all comments are welcome.
Rob