US Model 1873 Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA .45 Revolver 1887 Antique

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Sold for $15,127.00

Make: Colt

Model: U.S. Model of 1873, Single Action Army

Serial Number: 119738

Year of Manufacture: 1887 (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. 19. 1871. / ” JULY 2. -72.  / ” JAN 19. -75.” and with “U.S.”. The bottom of the frame and the bottom of the trigger guard at the front are each marked “119738”, the bottom of the frame is also marked “D.F.C.”. The bottom-right of the barrel, under the ejector rod housing, is marked “9738” at the rear, near the indexing stud for the housing is “0”, “G” and “J”. The rear of the loading gate has assembly number “657”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “P” and “D.F.C.”. The outside of the cylinder is marked “P”, “D.F.C.” and “9738”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “0” and “S”. The left-rear of the frame, under the grip, is marked “G”. The backstrap inlet of the grip has “9738” hand-written, the left is marked “1887 / JGB”, the right has a “DFC” cartouche, the bottom-left has “D.F.C.”.

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 grip is one-piece smooth walnut. The grip has a chip-loss at the bottom-rear on the left. There are a few nicks and scratches, a cluster of nicks on the bottom faces, with some areas of thinning finish. There are no cracks. Overall, the grip is in Very Good-plus condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore, mostly at the muzzle-end.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 70% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrel has some light wear along the top-left and top-right toward the rear, scattered minor surface oxidation, a few light nicks and scratches with one more notable scratch on the left toward the muzzle-end. The frame’s case color has mostly muted, showing some signs of aggressive cleaning and minor surface oxidation but with strong color in the loading slot and some figuring showing in other areas. The grip straps have handling wear, most notable in the trigger guard, with scattered minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this revolver is in Fine condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces very little play 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). This 1887 vintage U.S. Cavalry model is a great example, having matching serialized parts, much of its original finish remaining, strong mechanics and a nice bore. The high condition of this revolver will make this a fine Single Action Army to add to any collection.