1st Generation Colt Single Action Army SAA 5 1/2″ .45 Revolver ,1916 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2925
LSB#: 230329TM012
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation
Serial Number: 334836
Year of Manufacture: 1916 (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 “334836”. The butt of the grip frame is marked “334 / 836″. The rear of the loading gate and the right-rear of the frame under the grip each have assembly number “788”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “1”. The hammer slot is marked “67”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “5050”. The inside of each grip panel is hand-scribed “4836”.
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 minor handling wear with a few small nicks and thin scratches. There is one more notable nick at the bottom edge of the right panel’s checkering. The checkering is well defined and there is good detail in the colts. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original to the parts. The Cylinder is not original to the revolver.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There are a few spots of stubborn fouling and infrequent very minor erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. Most of the balance is handling wear on the grip area and wear and discoloration on and around the front sight. The cylinder has some wear behind each flute and scattered turn-wear. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation, mostly in the worn areas. 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 Very Good-plus 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 1916. It is in Very Good-plus condition, showing quite minor wear given its age. The barrel still has a nice bore, the mechanics are strong, and much of the case color on the hammer and frame is still rich and strong. The cylinder has been replaced, but the other numbered parts match, including the grips. 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!
