1st Gen Colt Single Action Army 5 1/2” .45 Colt SAA Revolver & Letter C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,525.00

LSB#: LSB251009DC033

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

Serial Number:  286962 – All matching

Year of Manufacture: 1906 / C&R (Factory Letter)

Caliber: .45 Colt

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 left side of the barrel is marked .45 COLT.”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871. / JULY 2. 72. JAN. 19. 75.” and with a Rampant Colt logo. The bottom front of the frame, trigger guard and backstrap are  marked with the serial number “286962”. The loading gate is marked with assembly number “7806”. 

Barrel Length: 5 1/2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade soldered to the barrel.  The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are hard rubber checkered grips with the rampant Colt ovals at the top.  The checkering is worn but visible. There are no chips or cracks. There are very minor scratches or scuffs. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue barrel & trigger guard, Case Hardened frame & hammer

Finish Originality:  Original

Bore Condition:  The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is defined.  There is intermittent erosion in the lands and stubborn fouling.  In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains 20% of its metal finish. There is even fine pitting throughout the finish, particularly on the frame and cylinder.  Most of the bluing loss is on the trigger guard, frame, top strap and muzzle, which have been worn to the white from handling. The cylinder has drag marks with wear in the cylinder stops. The bottom of the grip frame and the trigger guard show significant loss of finish on this revolver.  The face of the cylinder has carbon rings around the chambers. There IS still some case hardening colors on the rear of the frame.  The screw heads are sharp and serviceable. The action shows limited operational wear. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition as a 100+-year old firearm.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder locks with light play on each chamber.  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: The First Generation Colt Single Action Army stands as one of the most historically significant revolvers ever produced, and examples from the early twentieth century represent the closing chapter of true frontier-era Colt manufacture. By 1906, the Single Action Army was no longer a military standard but remained deeply entrenched as a civilian and lawman’s revolver, valued for its balance, reliability, and familiarity. Revolvers from this period retain the hallmarks of First Generation production, including hand-fitted internal parts, traditional charcoal blue and case-hardened finishes, and the unmistakable profile that had defined the American revolver since 1873.

This revolver was manufactured in 1906 and is chambered in the classic .45 Colt with the highly desirable 5 1/2-inch barrel, a configuration long favored for its balance and versatility. All major components, including the frame, trigger guard, and backstrap, are serial-number matching, an important factor for collectors. The accompanying Colt factory letter documents the revolver’s manufacture and original configuration, adding meaningful provenance and confirming its authenticity as a First Generation example. The bore is semi-bright with defined rifling, showing intermittent erosion and stubborn fouling consistent with age and use, rating approximately 7 out of 10.

Condition reflects honest wear accumulated over more than a century. Approximately 20 percent of the original finish remains, with even fine pitting visible throughout, particularly on the frame and cylinder. Much of the bluing has worn to the white on the trigger guard, frame, top strap, and muzzle from long-term handling, though traces of original case hardening remain visible on the rear of the frame. The cylinder shows drag marks and wear at the bolt stops, with carbon rings present on the cylinder face. Screw heads remain sharp and serviceable, and internal wear appears limited. The hard rubber grips, while not original to the revolver, are period-correct in style and remain in excellent condition with visible checkering and no cracks or chips. Mechanically, the action functions correctly with a crisp trigger and light play at lockup.

Overall, this revolver stands as an authentic, working-era First Generation Single Action Army from Colt, carrying the unmistakable character of a revolver that lived through America’s transition from the frontier age into the modern twentieth century. Its matching numbers, desirable barrel length, surviving case colors, and factory letter make it a compelling historical piece for collectors who value originality, documentation, and honest condition over restoration.  Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!

BF