Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA 5 1/2″ .32-20 WCF Revolver, 1902 C&R

Sold for $3401.00

LSB#: 220823JC002

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation

Serial Number: 221210

Year of Manufacture: 1902 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .32-20 WCF (Winchester Center Fire)

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 is marked “32 W.C.F.”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT SEPT 19 1871. / JULY 2. 72 JAN. 19. 75.” and with a circled rampant colt logo. The bottom of the frame and the bottom of the trigger guard at the front are each marked “221210”. The butt of the grip frame is marked “221 / 210”. The rear of the loading gate has assembly number “281”.

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 checkered hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel. The right panel has begun to go to a brownish color, the left panel is darker. The grips have light handling wear. There are a few light nicks and scratches, most on the bottom faces of the panels and in the smooth borders. The checkering is well defined and there is pretty good detail in the rampant colts. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

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

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is handling wear in the grip areas and scattered finish wear along the barrel. The frame and hammer retain much of their case color with some areas muted and others going to a light patina. The cylinder shows turn-wear. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation, most notable in the worn areas. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are light tool marks around some screw heads. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition.

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). Produced for nearly a century and a half, they are still being made, today! The 1st Generation Single Action Army was produced from 1873 to 1941 and are quite sought after by collectors.

This example is in quite good condition for a 120 year old revolver. It retains a good bore, strong mechanics and about 65% of its original metal finish. The remaining finish includes much of the case color on the frame and hammer as well as some fire-blue on the screw heads, both of which typically show more wear on a gun of this age. Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this example should be no exception, especially with its original finish. Please see our photos and good luck!