1st Gen Colt Single Action Army 45 Colt 4 3/4″ Revolver 1902 C&R Case Color
SOLD FOR: $3,302.00
LSB#: LSB250601SP063
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: 222441
Year of Manufacture: 1902 (C&R)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate and Six-Shot Fluted Cylinder
Barrel Length: 4 3/4″
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “45 COLT”. The left side of the frame is marked with patent dates “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871 / JULY. 2. 72 / JAN. 19. 75” followed by the Rampant Colt logo. The underside of the frame, trigger guard, and butt are each marked with the serial number “222441”. The rear face of the cylinder is unmarked. The inside of each grip panel is unmarked.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a V-notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece black hard rubber with checkered panels and Rampant Colt emblems at the top. The grips show scattered light handling wear with some smoothing in the checkering and light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color with Fire Blue Small Parts
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with well-defined, sharp rifling. There is no notable erosion in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 70% of its original finish. The strongest blue is found on the barrel and protected areas of the ejector housing, with significant finish on the cylinder and protected areas of the grip frame. The frame shows broad areas of muted case coloring. Attractive fire blue is visible on the trigger and hammer, while some surfaces have gone to a smooth gray patina and areas of white. There are scattered nicks, dings, and handling marks, but no notable erosion. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tooled. The markings remain clear. Overall, this revolver rates in about Very Good to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The revolver’s action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with minor play on all chambers. The timing is correct, and the hammer cocks and releases properly. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Our Assessment:
The Colt Single Action Army is perhaps the most iconic revolver in American history, earning a reputation as the “Peacemaker” during the closing years of the frontier. Chambered in the powerful .45 Colt cartridge, it was trusted by lawmen, outlaws, soldiers, and civilians alike. This example was manufactured in 1902, placing it firmly within the 1st Generation production era and qualifying it as a Curio & Relic firearm under federal law.
This revolver has retained an impressive amount of its original finish for its age, with 70% blue remaining and more than traces of case color on the frame. The bright fire-blue still present on the trigger and hammer adds a flash of color and a touch of originality. The barrel is the desirable 4 3/4″ “gunfighter” length, offering a perfect balance between sight radius and quick handling. The mechanics remain sound, and the bore is excellent with sharp rifling.
For the collector, this is a revolver that bridges the gap between the Old West and the modern era. Produced during the period when Colt was still supplying SAAs to ranchers, sheriffs, and working cowboys, it has the authentic look and feel that only comes from more than a century of existence. Whether displayed as a genuine piece of turn-of-the-century Americana or kept as a functional example of the classic Colt design, it will be a centerpiece in any collection of historic revolvers. 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.
