Colt John Wayne Commemorative Single Action Army SAA Revolver, 1982 ATF C&R
SOLD FOR: $2775
LSB#: 211116TC01
Make: Colt
Model: John Wayne Commemorative Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: CJWC2619
Year of Manufacture: 1982, ATF C&R
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single-Action Side Loading Gate Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The bottom of the frame is marked “CJWC / 2619”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “K”, the right is marked “H”. The left of each portion of the grip frame, the left-rear of the frame and the front of the cylinder are each marked with assembly number “1154”. The left of the frame is marked in gold “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2, 72 JAN 19, 75” and with a gold rampant colt. There is floral engraving on each side of the frame and the right of the barrel. The top of the ejector housing has a gold motif. The left of the barrel has a gold American eagle holding banners with “JOHN” and “WAYNE” in gold. The backstrap has John Wayne’s signature in gold in the grip area and at the top in gold is the Red River D brand from Wayne’s famous movie “Red River”. The outside of the river has rope strands at the front and rear with a bust portrait of John Wayne opposite an engraving of Wayne on a horse, also in gold.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter-round blade affixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch at the end of a groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth bone panels. The inside of each grip has “JWC 3118” in red ink. Given that there were 3,100 of these revolvers made, it seems likely that these are the factory original grips, possibly an over-run which were used to replace grips which were not deemed suitable for these commemorative revolvers. The grips have no notable wear or damage, though there are spots of stubborn grease from the factory packaging. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Gold
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks and dried grease from the factory packaging. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The revolver comes with a faux-wood cardboard Colt box with “2619” hand-written on a label on one end, an assortment of factory paperwork including manual, yellow “stop-sign” hang-tag and special John Wayne commemorative care instructions, a photocopy of the original Abercrombie & Fitch sales receipt, John Wayne commemorative flyer and brochures, protective cloth bag, John Wayne commemorative display case with plate and key.
Our Assessment: The Colt Single Action Army is perhaps the quintessential old west handgun, produced for more than a century, serving the U.S. Army as its sidearm from 1873 into the first world war and captivating audiences on the silver screen. The advent of television and western programs such as Hopalong Cassidy, The Lone Ranger, The Cisco Kid, and The Gene Autry Show breathed new interest in the guns that won the west, and the Single Action Army was reborn.
Perhaps its most famous user is movie legend John “The Duke” Wayne. He appeared in nearly 200 film and television roles from the 1920s to the 1970s and is most famous as an iconic cowboy hero, essentially synonymous with American Western movies. In 1982, Colt honored him with a commemorative issue of their Single Action Army revolvers, with only 3,100 of the John Wayne Commemorative SAA made.
This example is in Excellent condition, appearing to have spent more time in its included factory packaging than out. It comes with a handsome case to display the revolver’s beautiful engraving and gold inlay. This would make a fantastic addition to any Colt collection, especially for fans of The Duke. Please see our photos and good luck!