Late Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA .32-20 WCF 7.5″ Revolver, 1930 C&R

SOLD FOR: $3691

LSB#: 230320LC012

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation

Serial Number: 354098

Year of Manufacture: 1930 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .32 W.C.F. (.32-20 Winchester Center Fire)

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 side is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .32-20”. 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 right side of each portion of the grip frame are marked “354098”. The rear of the loading gate and the right-rear of the frame under the grip each have assembly number “970”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “3”. The front face of the cylinder is marked “U”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “46”. The inside of each grip panel has “354098” hand-scribed. The hammer slot is marked “F”.

Barrel Length: 7 1/2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square 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. There are some scattered light handling marks. There are a few little nicks, most noticeable on the bottom faces. The checkering and Colts are strong with some light rub wear. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In my opinion, this bore is a 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is some finish loss on the edge of the muzzle. There are a few hairline scratches on the barrel at the myuzzle. There is a bit of wear on the edges of the front sight. There is some thinning on the top of the hammer. There are some scattered light handling marks. There are some scattered spots of frost on the grip frame. There are some scattered little spots of oxidation on the cylinder. There are a few scattered light marks through the finish and small spots of thinning, most noticeable on the cylinder. There are some turn lines and turn wear on the cylinder. There are some scattered light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly used with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces almost 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: Included is a Colt letter.

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! The 1st Generation Single Action Army was produced from 1873 to 1941, though sales did fall off toward the end of the 1st Generation. While more than 344,000 of the revolvers were made from 1873 to 1922, in the last 18 years of production there were only about 13,000 made.

This is one of the later 1st Generation, made in 1930 during the Great Depression. It was originally sent to The Albany Hardware & Iron Co. in Albany, New York. This example is in quite good condition, appearing to have seen gentle use over the last 90+ years. Chambered for .32-20 Winchester, it would be a very soft-shooting gun that would pair well with a Winchester carbine in the same caliber. Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this late example should be no exception. Please see our photos and good luck!

Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red