B. Gouse Engraved Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA .45 Revolver 1906 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4150
LSB#: 220927HE001
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation
Serial Number: 282278
Year of Manufacture: 1906 (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 circled rampant colt logo. The bottom of the frame and the bottom of the trigger guard at the front are each marked “282278”. The butt of the grip frame is marked “282 / 278”. The rear of the loading gate has assembly number “1164”. The left of the trigger guard has “VP” in triangle and “T”. The left of the fronstrap, under the grip, is marked “ENG / B GOUSE / 04”. The revolver has extensive relief scroll and punch-dot engraving with Western-style checkerboard panels and decorative borders.
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 smooth bone panels with brass Colt medallions. The grips have only a few scattered minor marks. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are generally slightly shy to the grip frame. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Refinished, original to engraving.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and minor pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 5 out of 10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950’s.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its current metal finish. The new finish is strong throughout with only a few scattered minor marks. There is infrequent minor erosion visible under the finish, mostly only where original markings were preserved. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine condition as restored.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces no 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: This revolver comes in a wood display case.
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 1906. It has been quite beautifully engraved by Brian Gouse, with a new finish applied, resulting in a gorgeous revolver. In addition to the new finish, including vibrant case color, the revolver appears to have been mechanically restored, having a truly solid cylinder lockup. The bore does show its age, but is in decent shape for a nearly 120 year old revolver which likely saw use with black powder. Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this custom engraved early 20th Century example should be no exception. It will certainly stand out in any collection and display well with the included case. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California -Bud
