Colt 1st Generation Single Action Army SAA .38-40 WCF Revolver, 1907 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2525
LSB#: 220204RT034
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation
Serial Number: 292156
Year of Manufacture: 1907 (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. U.S.A.”, the left side is marked “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 “292156”. The butt of the grip frame is marked “292 / 156″. The rear of the loading gate has assembly number “2717”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “T”. The hammer slot is marked “o” and “3”. The inside of the left grip panel has been hand-carved with “EL PASO / 1910”, “B” and a five-pointed star.
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 faux-ivory panels with a raised cow skull on the right panel. The grips have been “antiqued” to give them a more Old West appearance, but otherwise show minor handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is light erosion scattered through the bore with less frequent light pitting.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 25% of its current metal finish. The strongest finish is in the loading gate with other remaining finish mostly in protected areas such as under the recoil shield on the left of the frame, the bottom of the barrel along the ejector housing and in the cylinder flutes. Most other exposed surfaces have worn to white or gone to a light patina. There are several scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, most concentrated on the butt, the bottom of the barrel in front of the cylinder pin and the left recoil shield. The action shows operational wear including turn-wear on the cylinder. The head of the cylinder pin 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 very minor 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 1907. 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 a decent bore and strong mechanics. It has also been equipped with an attractive set of faux-ivory grips. 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!