Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army 4 3/4″ SAA .45 Revolver, MFD 1893 Antique

SOLD FOR: $5,825.00

LSB#: LSB251005RM002

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

Serial Number: 152492

Year of Manufacture: 1893, shipped July 14

Caliber: .45 Colt, Black Powder

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder 

Barrel Length: 4 3/4” 

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the topstrap. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece stag panels. The grips show light handling wear with some discoloration from age. There is a thin crack at the rear edge of the left panel and some open grain-lines. There are no chips. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-Fine condition as Antique and not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original, the butt has a gothic “J”, professionally engraved outside the factory.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray, the rifling is generally well defined. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 5 out of 10. 

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 5% of its metal finish. Remaining finish is in protected areas such as the bottom of the ejector housing, corners of the trigger guard, and the top of the backstrap. Most surfaces have worn to white or gone to a light patina. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with infrequent minor erosion. There are tool marks around some screw heads. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from tool marked with strong slots to slightly disfigured with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition as Antique (see Mechanics). 

Mechanics: The hammer does not catch at a safety notch or half-cock, the full-cock position is somewhat further forward than typical full-cock positions with notable over-travel behind the notch. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. Lockup produces very little play on all six chambers. 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: This revolve comes with a Colt Archives letter indicating it was produced as a .45 caliber, 4 3/4″ barrel, blue finish and shipped July 14, 1893 to the San Juan Hardware Company as the only gun of its type in the shipment. The address is not listed, but the letter notes dealer locations in Silverton, Durango, Ouray & Telluride, Colorado.

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. Produced for nearly a century and a half, they are still being made, today!

This example is a 1st Generation Single Action Army made in 1893. It is in Good condition as Antique, showing honest wear consistent with its age. The revolver retains serial-matching parts and has a professionally engraved gothic “J” on the butt. While there is no additional information about the original owner, one of the more interesting possibilities would be if the revolver shipped to San Juan Hardware’s Telluride location. In 1893, Telluride was home to marshall Jim Clark, a colorful character of the West, surrounded by as many myths as verified facts. If the revoler was ordered by Clark, it would have some amazing stories to tell! Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this late 19th Century example should be no exception. It will display well as-is with its “been there, done that” appearance but would also be a good candidate for restoration. Please see our photos and good luck!

-Bud