1st Gen Colt Single Action Army .32 WCF 4 3/4” SAA Revolver 1894 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,526.00
LSB#: LSB250601SP011
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation
Serial Number: 155663
Year of Manufacture: April 24, 1894 (per Colt factory letter) – Antique
Caliber: .32-20 Winchester (32 WCF) BP
Action Type: Single Action Revolver, 6-Shot Side-Loading Gate
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked with Colt’s one-line Hartford address. The left side of the barrel is marked “32 W.C.F.” The left side of the frame is marked with two-line patent dates and the Rampant Colt logo. The underside of the frame, trigger guard, and backstrap are each marked with the serial number. The rear of the loading gate is assembly-numbered “3980.” There are factory inspector and assembly markings on the trigger guard bow. The revolver retains its original early-style cylinder pin retention screw rather than the later push-button style.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece black hard rubber panels with the Rampant Colt in an oval at the top. They have smoothed from age and handling but remain free of cracks.There is a small chip on the right panel. The grips have browned over time. The grips rate in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Originally blued frame.
Finish Originality: Original
Finish Condition: The revolver retains approximately 5% of its original finish, mostly in protected areas. The balance has worn to a light gray patina with scattered discoloration from age. There is some minor oxidation present, primarily on exposed steel surfaces, consistent with its age and service life.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with strong rifling and very little erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10.
Mechanics: The revolver’s cylinder pin is secured by a screw-retained base pin latch, correct for this period. The action cycles and locks up properly. The cylinder has minimal side-play and proper end-shake. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Factory letter.
Our Assessment:
This Colt Single Action Army in .32 WCF is a fine example of an early 1st Generation revolver, shipped April 24, 1894, placing it firmly in the Antique category. The factory letter confirms its shipment date, adding desirable provenance. The .32 WCF chambering, while less common than .45 Colt, was popular with shooters who wanted a revolver and rifle chambered for the same cartridge—a convenience especially valued by ranchers and outdoorsmen in the late 19th century.
It’s worth noting that in 1894, the Colt SAA was designed and proofed for black powder cartridges. Smokeless powder was still relatively new, and firearms of this period were not built to handle its higher pressures. Colt specifically cautioned that revolvers produced between 1896 and 1898 were not guaranteed for smokeless powder use, making it prudent to treat earlier examples like this one as black powder-only arms unless thoroughly inspected by a qualified gunsmith. This adds both to the historical authenticity and the period-correct appeal for collectors.
This revolver retains about 5% of its original finish, with the balance showing a well-earned patina. The bore remains in very good condition for its age, with strong rifling and minimal erosion, rating 8/10. The grips have smoothed with over a century of handling, and the screw-retained base pin latch is a correct and desirable early feature. For the advanced Colt enthusiast, this Antique SAA offers a blend of originality, mechanical integrity, and historical significance that makes it a worthy centerpiece in any serious collection. So bid high and bid firm. I encourage you to look at the condition of the item in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
