Custom Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA 38 Special Revolver 1893 Antique
SOLD FOR: $3925
LSB#: 220917DC008
Make: Colt
Model: Customized Single Action Army, 1st Generation
Serial Number: 151461
Year of Manufacture: 1893 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: This revolver has been converted to .38 Special.
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The right of the barrel is marked “COLT’S MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”, the left is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .38 SPECIAL”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871. / JULY 2. 72. JAN 19. 75.” and with a circled rampant colt. The bottom of the frame and trigger guard are marked “151461”, the butt of the backstrap is marked “151 / 461”. The rear of the loading gate has assembly number “881”. The hammer slot is marked “O”. The rear face of the cylinder has a rampant colt logo. The barrel, cylinder, frame and backstrap have decorative engraving with an indian head on the left recoil shield.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch at the rear of a groove in the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece pearl panels with Colt medallions at their tops. The grips are quite tight to the frame and their screw is partially stripped. We were not able to remove the grips from the frame to inspect underneath them for fear of damaging the grips. The grips have a few light nicks around the edges. There is light wear in the medallions. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Gold
Finish Originality: Refinished, the barrel and cylinder are not original to the frame.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 40% of its metal finish. There is scattered wear in the gold finish with strongest finish in protected areas. There are a few minor nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows minor operational wear with a thin turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-plus condition as refinished and customized Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is light and crisp. The cylinder locks up with light play on each chamber and 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 revolver is the iconic sidearm of the cowboy, lawman, and outlaw. It served the United States Army from 1873 until the Great War and, much like its successor the 1911, it was both a revolution at the time it was adopted, but also a mainstay of American handguns for generations in law enforcement, criminal, and law abiding citizens’ hands. Also like the 1911, the Single Action Army has seen decades of tweaks, modification, customization and after market parts to fit various purposes.
This example of a 1893 vintage 1st Generation SAA has had the barrel and cylinder replaced for use with .38 Special cartridges, a common conversion in the post-War era when the cartridge far outstripped most other standard 1st Generation chamberings in popularity and availability. The gun has also been custom engraved, given a new gold finish and a set of pearl grips, giving the gun a very striking appearance. This custom 1st Generation SAA should still make for a fun shooter, but any 1st Gen is of interest to Colt collectors, and this one looks great for a 130 year old revolver. Please see our photos and good luck!
