Colt 1st Generation Single Action Army SAA .38-40 WCF Revolver, 1911 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1856
LSB#: 220117LJ084
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation
Serial Number: 316197
Year of Manufacture: 1911 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 W.C.F. (38-40 Winchester Center Fire)
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. ???.”, the left side markings are very shallow and incomplete, but were “38 W.C.F.”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT SEPT 19 1871. / JULY 2 72 JAN. 19. 75.” and with a circled rampant colt logo. The bottom of the frame and the bottom of the trigger guard at the front are each marked “316197”. The butt of the grip frame is marked “316 / 197″. The rear of the loading gate and the right-rear of the frame under the grip each have assembly number “40”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “W”. The hammer slot is marked “7”. The bottom of the barrel, over the cylinder pin head, is marked “41”.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The top of the blade has been filed down some. 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 smooth wood panels. The grips have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The wood is generally fit a little shy to the metal. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Nickel. The hammer has been mostly polished bright with blue finish on the front face and in the corners on the rear face.
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray. The rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is some scattered light erosion in the bore with less frequent light pitting.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 90% of its current metal finish. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, most do not go through the finish. There are some spots of light erosion under the finish. The finish is generally strong throughout, though there is some finish loss at the muzzle on the left. The cylinder has a turn-line, mostly not through the finish. The cylinder’s bushing has a crimped metal collar at the front which does not appear to be original, or has been modified from its original form, this collar turns freely around the bushing head. The head of the cylinder pin has non-factory knurling, either a replacement or modified from its original form. The head of the pin also shows tool marks. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in about Good-plus condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces light play and end-shake on all six chambers. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder 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 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 is a 1st Generation Single Action Army made in 1911. The revolver is chambered for the classic .38-40 Winchester cartridge, which would make it a nice companion for a lever action carbine chambered for the same round. It is in Good-plus condition as refinished, retaining much of its new nickel finish, a decent bore, and strong mechanics, though the cylinder bushing and cylinder pin have been modified or replaced. Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this early 20th Century example should be no exception. Please see our photos and good luck!