Colt Lawman Series Wyatt Earp Buntline SAA 1 of 500, MFD 1970 ATF C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,826
LSB#: 200124JR01
Make: Colt
Model: Lawman Series Wyatt Earp Single Action Army Buntline, #491 of 500
Serial Number: 491WYE
Year of Manufacture: 1970
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.“, the left is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45”, the right “LAWMAN SERIES – WYATT EARP. The right of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871 / PAT. JULY 2, 72 JAN. 19, 75” and with a rampant colt logo. the bottom of the frame is marked with the serial number “491WYE” in front of the trigger guard, found again on the left of each portion of the grip frame and on the skeleton stock on the bottom of the shroud which fits over the top of the grip frame. The inside of each grip panel is hand-marked “491” in black marker. The front face of the cylinder is marked “491”, the rear face has a rampant colt logo. The right-rear of the frame under the grip and the rear face of the loading gate are each marked with assembly number “92”. The left of the trigger guard is marked with “VP” in triangle and “V”, the right is marked “G”.
Barrel Length: 16”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder sight. The rear sight presents a “V”-notch when down but can be folded up to present an aperture on a slider in the ladder sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut. The left panel has a couple of light scratches toward the top. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color, Nickel Hammer & Trigger
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. There is a spot of light scuffing on the butt from the stock. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Cylinder lockup produces almost no play on each chamber. The trigger is crisp. 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 in a Colt Lawman Series presentation case with a Tombstone scene on the exterior and interior of the lid, black faux-leather exterior, fitted red felt interior, skeleton stock, keys for the case and Colt Wyatt Earp Lawman Series booklet. The stock has minor handling marks, in about Excellent condition. The exterior of the case has light storage wear and the interior has minor wear from the contents, in about Fine condition.
Our Assessment: Colt’s Model 1873, the Single Action Army, is the “gun that won the west”, perhaps the most iconic handgun of all time. For nearly 150 years, the gun has been produced in a variety of configurations, finishes and calibers. The Buntline designation originally referred to any SAA with a barrel longer than the longest standard length of 7 1/2?. This example was made in 1970 to commemorate one of its most famous users, lawman Wyatt Earp. The revolver is in Excellent condition with about 99% of its metal finish, little sign of use, a great bore and strong mechanics. Even better, it comes with a nice display case, skeleton stock and a booklet from Colt detailing the history of Earp and the specifications of the revolver. Only 500 of these revolvers were made by Colt. In Excellent condition and with its original case, this should make a fine addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!