Colt 1st Generation Single Action Army SAA .38-40 WCF Revolver, 1920 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1455
LSB#: 220117LJ086
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation
Serial Number: 340333
Year of Manufacture: 1920 (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 rampant colt logo. The bottom of the frame and the left of each portion of the grip frame are marked “340333”. The rear of the loading gate and the right-rear of the frame under the grip each have assembly number “428”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “1”. The bottom of the barrel, over the cylinder pin head, is marked “1”. The inside of the left grip panel is hand-scribed “LGT”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
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 checkered black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at their tops. The grips have light handling wear with some scattered minor marks in the checkering and more notable marks on their bottom faces. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition as possibly not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion in the bore, most toward the muzzle end. There is infrequent minor pitting.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 80% of its current metal finish. The balance is mostly in scattered erosion, primarily on the barrel, topstrap and one side of the cylinder, with some on the trigger guard and more notable pitting at the muzzle, the left of the recoil shield the right-front edge of the trigger guard and the left-rear of the topstrap. There are some other scattered light marks. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this revolver is in about Good-plus condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The cylinder tends to over-rotate when operated briskly. When operated gently, 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 1920. 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 blued finish, a decent bore, and with a little timing work will have good mechanics as well. 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!