Custom Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA .44-40 WCF Revolver 1881 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2297
LSB#: 220509JH003
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation
Serial Number: 71632
Year of Manufacture: 1881 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester (W.C.F.)
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left of the frame is marked “PAT. ??. 19. 1871. / ” JULY 2. -72. / ” JAN 19. -75.”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “44 C.F.”. The bottom of the frame and the bottom of the trigger guard at the front are each marked “71632”. The butt of the grip frame is marked “71 / 632”. The serial markings are shallow and incomplete. The rear of the loading gate has assembly number “6164”. The hammer slot is marked “Z”.
Barrel Length: The barrel has been cut to approximately 5 1/8″
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 grip is one-piece smooth walnut. The left has a silver-colored Colt medallion, the right has a silver-colored Republica Mexicana medallion with metal “KF” inlays. The grip has scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is residue around each medallion. The wood is generally shy to the metal. Overall, the grip is in Good-Very Good condition as refinished, not original to the gun, and Antique.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Refinished
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 90% of its current metal finish. There are some scattered spots of finish loss, most notable at the muzzle, the front edge of the cylinder and on the left of the recoil shield. There are some areas which show frosting and some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The cylinder pin head has tool marks and its serrations are worn. There is some erosion, most notable on the front of the hammer and in the hammer slot. The screw hedas range from sharp to disfigured with serviceable slots. The markings range from clear to worn completely. Overall, this revolver is in Good-plus condition as modified and refinished Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces little play 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: This revolver comes in a wood Colt presentation case fitted for a 7 1/2″ barrel revolver.
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 1881. The revolver is chambered for the classic .44-40 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, having had its barrel cut back to about 5 1/8″ and a new nickel finish applied. The gun comes in a more modern display case. 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!