Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA 7 1/2″ .45 LC Revolver, 1896 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2501
LSB#: 220419RS001
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation
Serial Number: 167605
Year of Manufacture: 1896 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 Colt
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. 1?. 1871. / JULY 2 72 JAN 19. 75.”. The bottom of the frame and the bottom of the trigger guard at the front are each marked “167605”. The serial marking on the butt of the grip frame is no longer legible. The rear of the loading gate has assembly number “978”. The hammer slot is marked “7”. Under the ejector housing at the rear of the barrel is “8797”.
Barrel Length: 7 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 checkered black plastic with silver-colored Colt medallions. The grips have a few scattered light nicks and scuffs with a couple of dings at the bottom edge of the right panel. The checkering is well defined, generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are generally shy to the frame, most notable at the top-front where there is a gap. Overall, the grips themselves are in Fine condition as not original to the gun, Very Good considering their fit to the frame.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Refinished, the barrel is not original to the gun.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 75% of its current metal finish. Most of the balance is in the frame which has muted and shows signs of polishing with some scattered minor oxidation. The barrel, cylinder and grip frame have generally strong finish with some scattered erosion under the finish, most notable on the backstrap, cylinder, and the barrel at the muzzle-end. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches including some under the finish. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The firing pin bushing in the frame appears to have been replaced with a ring of peening around its front face. The cylinder pin head is tool marked and there are tool marks under the finish around the head. 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 Very Good condition as refinished Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces very little play side-to-side and light end-shake on all six chambers. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder is designed with 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 1896. The revolver is chambered for the original .45 Colt cartridge, which would make it a nice companion for a lever action carbine chambered for the same round. It is in Very Good condition as refinished Antique, retaining much of its new finish, with a replacement barrel and strong mechanics. Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this late 19th Century example should be no exception. Please see our photos and good luck!