Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA .45 Colt 4 3/4″ Revolver, MFD 1901 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2534

LSB#: 210909LT01

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation

Serial Number: 217039

Year of Manufacture: 1901 (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 was marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. / HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.”, some of this marking is worn away and not visible. The left of the barrel is marked “.45 COLT” but is mostly worn and not visible. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871. / JULY 2. 72. JAN 19. 75.”. The bottom of the frame and bottom of the trigger guard are both marked “217039”. The butt of the grip frame is marked “217 / 039”. The rear of the loading gate has assembly number “257”. The frame above the firing pin hole has a worn letter we cannot make out.

Barrel Length: 4 3/4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter-round blade fixed to the front of the barrel, it is bent to the left. The rear sight is a “V”-notch at the rear of a groove in the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are replacement two-piece checkered black plastic panels with rampant colt medallions at their tops. There are scattered nicks, dings, scratches, and compressions. The most noticeable marks are on the bottom faces. The deepest mark is on the bottom edge of the left panel. There are scrapes on the bottom edges. The grips are shy to the frame and grip frame. There are scattered nicks and dings on the checkering but it is mostly strong. There are no cracks or chips. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well-defined rifling. There is scattered erosion and some pitting in the bore.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains less than 10% of its metal finish which is mainly in the cylinder flutes and has turned to a patina. The finish has been lost and the metal has worn bright. There are scattered areas of patina, discoloration from previous oxidation, erosion, and some scabs scattered throughout. Some of the heaviest erosion is on the loading gate, sides of the frame at the barrel, and cylinder but it is present throughout. There are some scattered nicks and dings into the metal, the most noticeable are on the bottom of the barrel and on the grip frame. There are some scratches and other marks. The front sight blade is bent to the left. The front of the ejector rod housing is worn. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in Good condition

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. An action job has been done and the mainspring has been modified. The trigger is light and crisp. The cylinder locks up with minor play on each chamber and 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: Colt’s Single Action Army revolver is the iconic sidearm of the cowboy, lawman, and outlaw. This example is a 1st Generation SAA made in 1901. Chambered in the classic .45 Colt cartridge and with a compact barrel capable of a quick draw, it has been worked on and had an action job done. It has a trigger pull that is so sweet it is fit for a gunslinger. This example has some wear and looks like it is straight out of the Old West but it is still a classic American revolver, perfect for any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!