Make: Pietta, American Western Arms
Model: Ultimate 1873
Serial#: AWA0478
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1998-2003 / Modern
Caliber: .44-40 WCF. & .44 Special Conversion Cylinder
Action Type: Single-Action, 4-Click Revolver with 6-Shot Fluted Cylinder, Loading Gate, and Ejector rod.
Barrel Length: 10"
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a quarter-circle blade fixed at the muzzle. The rear sight is a square-notch integral to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one piece smooth walnut. The grip shows no handling wear. There are natural knots in the wood that have created grain splitting. The bottom right of the grip has a grain split that has been filled. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 10/10.
Overall Condition: The revolver retains about 99% of its metal finish. The case color is bright, vibrant, and unworn. There is little to no handling or operational wear. There is a very faint and intermittent turn line. The screwheads are sharp to faintly tool marked. The markings are clear. Overall, the revolver rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: This revolver includes a John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity and its additional cylinder.
Our Assessment: This American Western Arms Ultimate 1873 is a striking long-barreled Single Action Army-style revolver chambered in .44-40 WCF and accompanied by a .44 Special conversion cylinder. With its 10" barrel, blued finish, vibrant case-colored frame, smooth walnut grip, and classic fixed sights, it has a distinctive presentation with excellent versatility between the two included chamberings.
The revolver remains in Excellent condition, retaining about 99% of its metal finish with bright, unworn case colors and only a very faint intermittent turn line. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10/10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly, and the revolver includes its additional cylinder along with a John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity, adding desirable provenance and collector appeal.
