Colt 1865 Appomattox Commemorative Single Action Army .45 LC 5 ½” Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1,225.00
LSB#: LSB250518JG032
Make: Colt
Model: 1865 Appomattox Commemorative – Second Generation Single Action Army
Serial Number: 1134AP
Year of Manufacture: 1965
Caliber: .45 Long Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side-Loaded Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is specially roll-marked to commemorate the 1865 surrender at Appomattox. The frame bears the standard second generation Colt patent markings with the Rampant Colt. The nickel-plated cylinder is non-fluted. The serial number “1134AP” is marked on the frame, and the grips are inset with nickel-plated Colt medallions.
Barrel Length: 5 ½”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade, and the rear sight is a square notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The rosewood-style grips are smooth with nickel Colt medallions. The right grip panel has a small chip missing from the toe. Otherwise, the grips are well fit and retain a handsome appearance with only light handling wear.
Type of Finish: Blue & Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are only light handling marks throughout, with a faint “ghost” turn line on the cylinder. The blue finish is rich and deep, providing a striking contrast to the nickel-plated accents, which remain brilliant. The revolver has not been fired outside of factory testing. The screw heads are sharp, and the markings are clear. The frame, backstrap, trigger guard, ejector rod head, hammer, and cylinder are nickel-plated, while the remainder is finished in high polish blue. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer locks solidly into each notch, the cylinder locks up well, and the trigger is crisp. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The revolver includes its original orange Colt manual. The original commemorative walnut display case, which would have featured an etched image of Grant and Lee, is not included.
Our Assessment:
Produced in 1965 to commemorate the centennial of General Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, this limited-edition Colt 2nd Generation Single Action Army revolver represents one of the most exclusive postwar SAA variants ever made. With only 250 manufactured, it stands out as one of the lowest production commemorative Colts, appealing strongly to both advanced Colt collectors and Civil War historians alike.
This example is particularly desirable thanks to its brilliant nickel accents set against a lustrous blued frame and barrel. It remains in excellent condition, factory test-fired only, and still exhibits the sharp fit and finish that exemplified Colt’s second generation production. The distinctive commemorative barrel marking adds a significant historical layer to this iconic design, linking America’s most legendary revolver to one of its most pivotal national moments.
Whether as a centerpiece in a high-end Colt collection or a rare showpiece for SAA enthusiasts, this revolver offers both intrinsic and historical value. Its striking cosmetics, limited production, and connection to Appomattox ensure it will remain a treasured and meaningful collectible for generations to come. So bid high and bid firm. I encourage you to look at the condition of the item in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
