
1st Gen Colt Single Action Army .44-40 “Frontier Six Shooter” Revolver, C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,750
LSB#: 240110GD009
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation
Serial Number: 328528
Year of Manufacture: 1914 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .44-40
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Barrel Length: 4 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered black hard rubber with the “Rampant Colt” emblem directly molded in raised relief at each upper front. The grips have discolored with age. They show the classic “bevel” along the bottom edges. There is some light chipping and a small hairline crack in the middle back spine of the left grip. There are some scattered small nicks and scratches to the remainder. They retain the original metal retention screw, are original and well fitted to the gun. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There are some patches of pitting. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 40% of its original metal finish. There is a good amount of the original color case hardening on the frame and hammer, though some of the vibrancy has muted. There are some scattered spots of surface oxidation and areas of discoloration from previous oxidation. There are some areas of erosion. The barrel and cylinder show some scattered surface scratches and finish loss, as do the ejector rod housing and grip frame. The finish is thinning at most edges. The grip areas show handling wear. There is some marring to the cylinder pin. The action shows operational wear including some turn-wear on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked, all with usable slots. The markings are mostly clear, though the bottom line of patents is light. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces very little play 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: None
Our Assessment: The expiration of Smith & Wesson’s patent on the bored-through cylinder in 1869 led Colt to design the revolutionary M-1873 Single Action Army, which soon earned the moniker the “Peacemaker”, “Equalizer”, and “gun that won the West”. Carried by soldiers, lawmen, ranchers, rustlers, cowboys, and outlaws alike, the Colt Peacemaker quickly became synonymous with the untamed wilds of the American West. Those “going heeled” in the early 20th century carried the Colt “Frontier Six Shooter”, a version of the SAA introduced in 1877, and chambered in .44-40, matching the caliber introduced by Winchester in their iconic 1873 rifle. This allowed a man to carry the same ammunition for both his revolver and rifle.
This example is a 1st Generation Colt Frontier Six Shooter produced in 1914. It carries the classic “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER .44-40” marking stamped along the left side of the barrel, the two line “COLT’S PT. F.A MFG CO / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” address along the top of the barrel, the two line “PAT SEPT 19 1871. / JULY 2 72 JAN 19 75.” patent information along the left side of the frame, next to the iconic “Rampant Colt”, a “VP” within a triangle marking at the left side of the trigger guard, denoting the revolver is designed for smokeless powder loads, and the matching serial number “328528” on the underside of the frame, trigger guard, and butt strap. It boasts the original cylinder and checkered thumb spur hammer, and is a wonderful example of the iconic Colt “Frontier Six Shooter”. Bid with confidence and please view our other great military, Old West, and sporting firearms.
