Colt US Model 1873 Cavalry Single Action Army SAA .45 Revolver 1878 Antique
SOLD FOR: $3,211
LSB#: 240203KA011
Make: Colt
Model: 1873 Cavalry Model Single Action Army
Serial Number: 41584
Year of Manufacture: 1878 (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 “D.F.C.” and “P” in front of the cylinder pin head, and under the ejector housing is “1584” at the rear. The outside of the cylinder is marked “1757”, “D.F.C.” 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 “41584”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “45 CAL”. The hammer slot is marked “B”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871. / ” JULY. 2. -72. / ” JAN. 19. -75.” and “U.S.”. The rear face of the loading gate has “49” assembly number.
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 (really two panels adhered to an internal center piece). The grip has moderate wear. There are scattered nicks and scratches. There is a crack in the bottom edge to the right of the buttstrap. The wood is generally shy to the metal. Overall, the grip is in Good-plus condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished, most surfaces have been polished bright. Some screws are replacements.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5 or 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 5% of its current metal finish. There is some finish remaining on the front face of the loading gate, the top of the backstrap, and a few spots in well protected areas. Most surfaces have been polished bright. There are some nicks and scratches. There is a little minor surface oxidation with some minor erosion in the backstrap. There are tool marks around some screw heads. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. There are firing pin impact marks between each chamber on the rear face of the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this revolver is in Good condition as refinished Antique.
Mechanics: The hammer does not catch properly at the safety notch and the hammer has excessive over-travel at full-cock. The loading gate detent is weak. The cylinder bushing is a separate part, but it is seized in the cylinder. We were not able to remove the bushing. 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). This U.S. Cavalry model is from 1878, during a period when the revolvers were inspected by David F. Clark. The gun shows wear consistent with its age and service, it has been refinished and seen some polishing. It does retain a more than decent bore given its age. This Clark inspected Cavalry model will be a neat addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
