Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA Nickel .32-20 WCF Revolver 1897 Antique
SOLD FOR: $3601.99
LSB#: 220107TW008
Make: Colt
Model: Custom Single Action Army, 1st Generation
Serial Number: 169246
Year of Manufacture: 1897
Caliber: .32 W.C.F. (.32-20 Winchester)
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. / HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871. / JULY. 2. 72. JAN. 19. 75.”. The bottom of the frame and the bottom-front of the trigger guard are marked “169246”, the butt is marked “169 / 246”. The rear of the loading gate has assembly number “568”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “246”.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch at the rear of a groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel. The grips show even light wear with a few scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches. The bottom faces of the grips have a few more notable nicks and scratches. The checkering is well defined and there is good detail in the rampant colts. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with well defined rifling. There is scattered minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 80% of its metal finish. The most notable finish loss is on the frame around the cylinder, along the outside of the ejector housing and at the muzzle on each side. There is some other more minor flaking at most edges and scattered small spots of finish loss and bubbling. Most areas of finish loss show light oxidation. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The head of the cylinder pin has moderate tool marking. We were not able to remove the cylinder pin from the cylinder and it turns with the cylinder, suggesting that the pin is seized in its bushing, as well as the bushing being seized in the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are strong, there is oxidation and finish loss around most markings which may obscure them in the photos. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The head of the cylinder pin has moderate tool marking. We were not able to remove the cylinder pin from the cylinder and it turns with the cylinder, suggesting that the pin is seized in its bushing, as well as the bushing being seized in the cylinder. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder has minor rotational play when locked and barely perceptible end-shake. 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: This revolver comes with a Colt Historian letter which states that the revolver shipped November 28, 1897 to Hartley & Graham in New York, New York in a shipment of 2 guns of the same type. Also included is a Brauer Bros. Moose Brand zipper case.
Our Assessment: Colt’s Single Action Army is, perhaps more than any other, an iconic American pistol. It was the U.S. issue sidearm for the last two decades of the 19th century, used by pioneers, outlaws and lawmen across the expanding nation, and captivated audiences on the silver screen and television (and still does, today). Produced for nearly a century and a half, they are still being made, today! This example was originally shipped in 1897 to Hartley & Graham in New York City, one of Colt’s largest distributors. The included Colt Historian letter confirms that this revolver shipped in its current configuration and, for its age, it is in pretty good shape. Apart from the cylinder pin which we could not remove, it retains a strong bore, good mechanics and much of its original Nickel finish. Being a factory nickel gun shipped to Hartley & Graham, and the included Colt letter will add to its collectibility. Please see our photos and good luck!