Colt Custom Shop Class D Engraved Single Action Army SAA .44-40 WCF Single Action Revolver, MFD 1983
SOLD FOR: $4,325
LSB#: 180407MW01
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: SA49014
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1983 (Factory Letter)
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .44 SPECIAL”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2,72 JAN. 19,75” and with the “Rampant Colt” logo. The underside of the frame at the grip frame is marked “SA49014”. The left side of each portion of the grip frame is marked “SA49014” under the grips. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and at the rear with a “K”. The front face of the cylinder is marked “9014”. The inside of each grip panel is scribed “49014”. The rear of the loading gate, visible when open, is marked “014”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “44-40”. The barrel, frame, grip frame and cylinder have extensive Class “D” factory scroll engraving.
Barrel Length: 7 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black synthetic panels with rampant colt in oval at the top and an American eagle with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” banner above it clutching olive branches in one talon and arrows in another with a shield in front of it. The inside of each grip panel has “COLT’S HTFD. CONN.” molded into them. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: The revolver is blued with a case colored frame.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its metal finish. The cylinder has extremely faint, short lines behind a couple of the stop notches, not through the finish. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Cylinder lockup produces almost no play. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a faux-wood cardboard sleeve with Colt Custom Shop serial-matching label, two-piece styrofoam inserts, an assorment of factory paperwork including manual, Colt marked wooden presentation case and a Colt Factory Letter verifying that this revolver was shipped from Colt with Class “D” engraving. The cardboard sleeve has some ears torn off with heavy wear at edges and corners and scattered scuffing in the faces, in about Fair condition. The presentation case has a few scattered light compressions, scratches and scuffs on the exterior, with very little wear on its red plush interior. Overall, the case is in about Very Good-plus condition.
Our Assessment: Everyone should have a Colt Single Action Army, and this example from Colt’s Custom Shop would be a nice one to add to any collection. Manufactured around 1983, this revolver is chambered in the classic .44-40 cartridge, originally added to Colt’s options in the late 19th Century to allow a revolver to share cartridges with a Winchester lever-gun. The revolver is in Excellent condition with little to no imperfections in its beautiful finish and extensive Class “D” factory engraving. The 5 1/2″ and 4 3/4″ barrel lengths may be a little more handy and convenient, but the 7 1/2″ has the classic Single Action Army look. This is going to be popular with collectors with its high condition, display case, original box and factory letter. Please see our photos and good luck!