Not that I want one, but...

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

I wonder what would happen if you were to contact USFA and request a factory letter on one of your SAA's?

[Major 2]

You'd get .....Zip !  .......   sorry !  the devil made me do it 

[Deadeye Don]

You'd get .....Zip !  .......   sorry !  the devil made me do it 

Excellent. 

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

I guess I set myself up for that one!   

[St. George]

Unlike a Colt Letter - with the thought that 'maybe' the piece didn't go to Simmons Hardware - a USFA letter will show pretty much what's noted on the box it came in.

And, unlike a Colt that was possibly used during some exciting times, as an actual working gun and not a piece of sports equipment  - the idea of keeping the factory box, shipping sleeve, and all associated wrapping is ingrained in folks today, so the likelihood of pretty much any USFA revolver's owner still having said box and invoice and such is extremely high.

The letter probably won't indicate how much of the piece is Italian-made - if any - only a serial number reference may help with that - but it wouldn't be germane.

Just a thought.

Scouts Out!

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

Good points all, St. George.
The gist of my question was whether or not the "new" USFA is making any attempt to maintain the records of the "old" and if so, are the letters still available for those who might still want one.
From what I have seen, the USFA letters were about as complete as those that come from Colt, listing date of manufacture, finish, grips, any special features, where shipped, etc.   I have several Colt letters on old guns and let's face it, the only item listed that is of any real historical interest for an original, un-refinished gun is the "where shipped" information.
By far the best letters I have seen, and again I have several of them, come from Smith & Wesson.  For a fraction of the price of a Colt letter, S&W provides all of the same information plus a manufacturing history of the gun in question.