Custom Engraved Colt Single Action Army SAA .38 Special Revolver, 1907 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1745.99
LSB#: 220416BB002
Make: Colt
Model: Custom Single Action Army, 1st Generation
Serial Number: 294654
Year of Manufacture: The frame was made in 1907, the revolver was most likely altered in the 1950s when conversion to .38 Special became possible and popular.
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .38 SPECIAL”, the top is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The bottom of the frame is marked “294654”. The trigger guard is marked “294654” and the butt is marked “294 / 654”. The rear of the loading gate has assembly number “793”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “6”. There is decorative engraving on the frame which continues onto the grip frame.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2″
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 stag panels. The grips have a few scattered minor marks, but not notable damage. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips arein Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color
Finish Originality: Refinished, the barrel and cylinder, likely other small parts are not original to the frame.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 87% of its current metal finish. Most of the balance is handling wear in the grip straps, there is some wear at the left-front of the barrel and the front of the ejector housing. The cylinder has thinning around the flutes and scattered turn-wear. The frame’s case color is generally strong, there is minor wear on the left recoil shield. There are some light nicks and scratches. The cylinder has some erosion on the front face with minor erosion under the finish on the rear face. The cylinder pin head shows tool marks. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. Remaining markings are generally clear, some of the inspection marks are shallow or incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition as refinished and not parts-original.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder has little rotational play when locked and has barely perceptible end-shake. 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). This example has been custom-built on a frame made in 1907. Someone has updated the revolver with a .38 Special barrel and cylinder, likely in the 1950s when such upgrades were popular. The revolver has been refinished, so it looks great for its age and its new barrel is still in great shape. The result is a revolver which is interesting and unique, its custom engraving set off nicely by the installed stag grips. This would make a neat addition to a collection but also may still make for a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!