Colt 1st Generation Single Action Army SAA 5 1/2″ .45 LC Revolver, 1917 C&R

SOLD FOR: $3410

LSB#: 220929TM013

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation

Serial Number: 335335

Year of Manufacture: 1917 (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 is marked “45 COLT”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT SEPT 19 1871. / JULY 2 72 JAN. 19. 75.” and with a rampant colt logo. The bottom of the frame and the bottom of the trigger guard at the front are each marked “335335”. The butt of the grip frame is marked “335 / 335″. The rear of the loading gate and the right-rear of the frame under the grip each have assembly number “278”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “1”. The hammer slot is marked “7”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “5335”. The inside of each grip panel is hand-scribed “5335”.

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 black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel. The grips have fairly light handling wear with some scattered light nicks and scratches. The checkering is generally well defined and there is some detail in the rampant colts. There are no chips or cracks on the exterior, but each panel has some cracking on the interior around the grip screw hole. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore has portions which are bright and the rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is scattered light erosion and minor pitting in the bore.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 20% of its metal finish. Most surface have worn to white or gone to a light patina with some good finish remaining in protected areas. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and minor surface oxidation. There is infrequent minor erosion, most notable on the loading gate and ejector housing. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces barely perceptible 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!

This example is a 1st Generation Single Action Army made in 1917. It is in Good condition, showing wear consistent with its age, but retaining excellent mechanics. The serialized parts all match, including the grips, and the bore is still fairly decent, though it does have some erosion and minor pitting. Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this early 20th Century example should be no exception. Please see our photos and good luck!

Colt 1st Generation Single Action Army SAA 5 1/2" .45 LC Revolver, 1917 C&R
Colt 1st Generation Single Action Army SAA 5 1/2″ .45 LC Revolver, 1917 C&R