Colt US Model 1873 Single Action Army SAA 45 Revolver & Letter 1887 Antique
Sold For: $4625
LSB#: 201205RT28
Make: Colt
Model: U.S. Model of 1873, Single Action Army
Serial Number: 96198
Year of Manufacture: 1887 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
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 of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871. / ” JULY 2. -72. / ” JAN 19. -75.” and with “U.S.”. The bottom of the frame and the bottom of the trigger guard at the front are each marked “96198”. The trigger guard is also marked “G”. The bottom-right of the barrel, under the ejector rod housing, is marked “0814” at the rear, near the indexing stud for the housing is “K”. The rear of the loading gate has assembly number “9413”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “P”. The outside of the cylinder is marked “P”, “D.F.” (presumably a worn “D.F.C.” inspector marking), and there is the remnant of a serial marking which is worn and illegible. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “1”. The left-rear of the frame, under the grip, is marked “U”.
Barrel Length: 7 1/2″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch at the rear of a groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth walnut. The grip has minor handling wear with only a few scattered light marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in about Fine-Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Refinished, the barrel is not original to the gun.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 10% of its current metal finish. Most of the remaining finish is scattered case-color on the frame, strongest in the loading groove. The blued surfaces have mostly worn to white or gone to a light patina. The cylinder has mostly gone to patina. There are some scattered nicks, scratches and scuffs. There is scattered light surface erosion. The cylinder pin head is tool marked. The holes for the top mounting screws of the backstrap are mostly stripped. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with useable slots. The markings range from clear to worn and illegible. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition as refinished Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, but the holes for the top mounting screws of the backstrap are mostly stripped. Lockup produces little play side-to-side and barely perceptible end-shake on all six chambers. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder has a removable bushing. 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 Colt Historian letter indicating that the revolver shipped to the U.S. Government inspector August 17, 1883 as one of 150 guns of the same type in the shipment.