I have had several of these big 44 caliber martial arms over the years, but this is the first in the last 3 years that was worth paying attention to. It is an excellent gun with 98% original blue to the frame and 80% on the barrel, which is usually greyed-out from the lug to the muzzle. This one is a mix of blue and plumb patina where they are normally handled in that area, way better than average. The cylinder shows about 60% blue mixing with plumb-brown and the grips are outstanding with a perfect cartouche. All the case on the hammer and aan excellent action. Many of these guns were issued to the Buffalo Soldiers out west. It's the best I've ever handled.