Colt 1st Gen 1873 Single Action Army SAA .45 Revolver, Antique

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Sold for $2405.00

Make: Colt

Model: 1873 Single Action Army 1st Generation

Serial Number: 4351

Year of Manufacture: The “Black Powder” frame indicates that the receiver was produced pre-1897.

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 side of the frame has an incomplete two-line patent date marking and double-stamped “U.S.”. The bottom of the frame, trigger guard, butt, barrel (under the ejector housing) and cylinder are each marked “4351”. The serial markings do not appear to be genuine, some marked over previous markings. There are “A” inspection marks on the trigger guard, backstrap, barrel and cylinder, the barrel also has “P”. The left of the grip has a double-stamped “OWA” cartouche.

Barrel Length: 7 1/2”

Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a “V” groove in the top strap for a rear sight and the front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth walnut. The grip has minor handling wear with some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is thinning finish at the bottom edges. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in Very Good-Fine condition as refinished Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Refinished, some parts are not original to the receiver.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore.

PLEASE NOTE: The hole for the ejector mounting lug has been drilled through into the bore and the lug protrudes into the bore. It is not safe to fire this revolver with this barrel installed.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 30% of its current metal finish. Strongest finish is on the barrel and ejector housing. The receiver is mostly worn to white with some minor discoloration from oxidation. The cylinder has scattered thinning finish with some areas of stronger blue and some areas gone to a light patina. The grip frame shows handling wear and discoloration from oxidation. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is scattered surface erosion, some under and some through the finish. There is evidence of polishing and grinding. As noted above, the mounting lug for the ejector housing protrudes into the bore and this revolver is not safe to fire with the current barrel installed. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with useable slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in about Fair condition as refinished Antique.

Mechanics: The cylinder tends to over-rotate. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup shows moderate play. The trigger pull is crisp. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

PLEASE NOTE: The hole for the ejector mounting lug has been drilled through into the bore and the lug protrudes into the bore. It is not safe to fire this revolver with this barrel installed.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Colt SAA revolver and Winchester Model 1873 rifle were two guns that helped tame the Wild West of the United States in the last quarter of the 19th Century. This example has been assembled as a US issued Model 1873 with parts re-marked with matching serial numbers. It will display well as it is, looking like a genuine article of the American West. It would also be a good candidate for restoration, needing some work and to have the barrel replaced before it will be safe to fire.