Colt Factory Experimental Prototype New Frontier SAA .45 Revolver & Letter
SOLD FOR: $2025
LSB#: 210601WL02
Make: Colt
Model: New Frontier 3rd Generation, Colt Experimental Prototype
Serial Number: X24066
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1976-1982
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action, 6-Shot Revolver with Right Side Loading Gate
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT NEW FRONTIER S.A.A. .45”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT.F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2, 72 JAN. 19, 75” and a Rampant Colt logo. The right of the frame is marked with the serial number “X24066”, found again on the butt of the grip frame.
Barrel Length: 7 1/2?
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade integral to a serrated, ramped base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is an Elliason square notched leaf in a base pinned to the top strap, adjustable for elevation and windage.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut panels with silver-colored Colt medallions at their tops. Interestingly, the interior of the grips have been relieved. The grips have some nicks, scuffs and scratches, most notable under each medallion and toward the bottom of the right panel. There are no exterior chips or cracks, but the left panel has interior cracking at the grip screw escutcheon. The grips are alternately proud and shy to the frame. Overall, the grips appear in Very Good condition as not original to the gun (the letter lists it shipped without grips), but rate Good due to the interior cracking.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
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 96% of its metal finish. There are some scattered minor nicks, a few light scratches and scuffs. The action shows light operational wear including light turn-wear on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. One of the interesting quirks of this revolver, noted on the included Colt Historian letter, is that there is no provision for a cylinder pin retainer on the frame. The cylinder locks up with very little play on each chamber. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a Colt Historian letter which confirms that this revolver is a Colt Experimental Prototype, shipped October 16, 2008 to Greg Martin Auctions in San Francisco, California. The letter is in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: This is a fascinating Colt New Frontier in .45 Colt. The New Frontier was the descendent of “The Flat-Top Target Model” of the Single Action Army, produced with adjustable target sights. The New Frontier was offered in .44 Special and .45 Colt in various barrel lengths. These guns are meticulously finished in Colt Royal Blue on both the barrel and cylinder, with a color case hardened frame. This example, however, is something unique. It comes with a Colt Historian Letter which identifies it as a factory experimental prototype, kept in the Colt factory collection until 2008. Deviation from the standard design includes a beveled contour to the standard flat topstrap, matting on the flat portion, an Elliason rear target sight and, perhaps most interesting, without any provision in the frame for a cylinder pin retainer. This unique revolver will add to even the most advanced Colt collections and is an opportunity for a fascinating piece of Colt development and design history. Please see our photos and good luck!