1st Gen Colt Single Action Army SAA 4 3/4” .44-40 Revolver 1897 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,026.00
LSB#: WY250207GM003
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number:
Frame: 169133
Trigger Guard: 225477
Grip Frame: 225477
Barrel: 2764
Year of Manufacture: Frame: 1897 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup), C&R
Caliber: .45 Colt, Black Powder
Action Type: 6-Shot Single Action Revolver with Side Gate Loaded Cylinder
Barrel Length: 4 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade soldered to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece faux stag. There are no chips or cracks. There are some scratches and scuffs. Overall, the grips are in about Good condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original to parts. The frame may have been nickel plated at some point, but the finish is all but gone.
Bore Condition: The bore is dark with defined rifling where not interrupted by erosion. There is some general erosion throughout but no deep pitting. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 5/10.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors firearms.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about none of its metal finish. Most of the metal has been worn to white with general erosion even throughout the parts. The worn to white portions have taken a deep patina. The screw heads range from sharp with serviceable slots to disfigured. The action shows operational wear. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder locks with light play on each chamber. We have not fired this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Colt Single Action Army revolver stands as a quintessential symbol of American heritage, epitomizing the spirit of the frontier era. Serving as the official sidearm of the United States during the final twenty years of the 19th century, it was wielded by a diverse cast of characters including pioneers, outlaws, and lawmen as they navigated the challenges of a nation in expansion. Its allure has transcended generations, capturing the imagination of audiences through its depictions in film and television, a legacy that continues to this day. This particular model, crafted in 1899, showcases the enduring craftsmanship of Colt’s Single Action Army, featuring remarkably good mechanics for its age, a bore in respectable condition considering its 125-year history with black powder. The grip and frame match but the barrel and trigger guard do not.
The revolver bears the marks of genuine wear, a testament to its journey through time, yet retains a commendable level of functionality. Despite this, the revolver operates smoothly, underscoring the durability and reliability that have made the 1st Generation Single Action Army revolvers highly collectible. This piece is no exception, representing a tangible link to the storied past of the American West and the enduring legacy of the Colt Single Action Army as an icon of American history and craftsmanship. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
