Colt Western States Animal SAA California Bear 9 of 10 .45 Revolver ATF C&R
SOLD FOR: $5,225
LSB#: 240104HE003
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation, Western States Animal Special Edition California, 9 of 10
Serial Number: 85797SA
Year of Manufacture: 1977 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup), shipped February 17, 1978, ATF C&R
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Barrel Length: 7 1/2″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth bone panels. The grips have some minor discoloration, but no notable wear or damage. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color with Gold Trim
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. The cylinder locks up with very minor play on each chamber. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a Colt display case with lock and a Colt Archives letter. The letter indicates that this revolver shipped February 17, 1978 to Fin Feather Sport Shop Inc. in Omaha, Nebraska as the only gun of its type in the shipment.
Our Assessment: In 1974, Colt quietly discontinued production of the single Action Army; this would be the second time they discontinued production of this glorious revolver. Luckily, the loyal fans of the SAA would not need to wait long as colt would bring back the SAA in 1976 as the “3rd Generation”. Changes were made but the basic SAA was the same, i.e. three standard barrel lengths of 4 ¾”, 5 ½” and 7 ½”, finishes of full nickel or blue, with color case hardened frame, and grips of hard rubber.
There have also been some limited production runs with a variety of features, and this is a very interesting example. The Western States Animals Special Edition included some animal-specific revolvers as well as small numbers of State Animal editions, such as this one. We have found very little information about this edition, but were able to find State Animal revolvers commemorating the buffalo of Wyoming, desert bighorn sheep of Nevada, rocky mountain bighorn sheep of Colorado, and the grizzly bear of California. This example is number 9 of the 10 California revolvers produced, shipped in 1978 to a dealer in Omaha, Nebraska.
The included letter details the embellishments performed by A.A. White Engravers of East Sandwich, Massachusetts including gold bands on the barrel and cylinder, gold inlaid borders on the frame, gold inlaid running bear on the recoil shield, and Class “A” scroll engraving. While the revolver originally shipped with standard hard rubber grips, they have been replaced with an attractive set of bone panels. This gorgeous revolver is in Excellent condition and comes with its original case for display. It will make a fantastic addition to any collection, especially one here in The Golden State. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
