Colt US Model 1873 Cavalry Single Action Army SAA .45 Revolver 1874 Antique
SOLD FOR: $8325
LSB#: 230320LC006
Make: Colt
Model: 1873 Cavalry Model Single Action Army
Serial Number: 11558
Year of Manufacture: 1874 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 Colt, Blackpowder
Action Type: 6-Shot Single Action Revolver with Side Gate Loaded Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “+COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG Co HARTFORD, CT. U. S. A.+”, the underside is marked “A” and “P” in front of the cylinder pin head, and under the ejector housing is “1558” at the rear. The outside of the cylinder is marked “11558”, “A” and “P”. The bottom of the frame at the front, the bottom of the trigger guard at the front and the butt are each marked “11558”. Behind the trigger guard’s serial marking is “A”, found again at the top of the backstrap behind the hammer. The hammer slot is marked “C”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871 / PAT. JULY. 2. 1872” and “U.S”. The rear face of the loading gate has “1476” assembly number. The butt is marked “12” behind the serial marking.
Barrel Length: 7 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth walnut. The grip has some evidence of sanding with a few dings and scratches. There are small losses at the bottom-front corners which have been smoothed. There are no cracks. Overall, the grip is in Good-Very Good condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8 or 9 out of 10.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors firearms.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 5% of its metal finish. Remaining finish is scattered with most surfaces showing a mottled light-moderate patina. Most edges are worn to white. There is some scattered surface oxidation and minor erosion. There is a cluster of odd marks on the left of the frame in front of the cylinder and some other scattered nicks and small scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder locks with light play on each chamber. The cylinder bushing is removable. We have not fired this handgun. 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). In addition to its use in the Indian Wars, these revolvers saw use in the Spanish-American War and the Moro Rebellion in the Philippines.
This U.S. Cavalry model is an early example from 1874 and a nice example to add to any collection. Its serialized parts match with proper inspection marks. The gun shows honest wear consistent with its age and service. The mechanics are still strong and the bore is in quite nice shape, especially for its age. There’s also an interesting “12” marking on the butt, possibly a rack number or even indicating service after leaving the Cavalry. In any case, this Cavalry revolver will certainly be of interest to collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
