Custom Engraved 3rd. Gen. Colt Single Action Army SAA 4.75″ .44-40 Revolver
SOLD FOR: $6,125.00
LSB#: LSB251006JW010
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army 3rd Generation, Engraved
Serial Number: S02278A
Year of Manufacture: 1993 / Modern (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .44-40 W.C.F.
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is stamped “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .44-40”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2-72 JAN. 19-75” and with the “Rampant Colt” logo. The underside of the frame is marked “S02278A”. The left side of each portion of the grip frame is marked with the serial number. The front of the cylinder is marked with a partial serial number “278”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “44-40”. The Ivory grips are numbered to the gun “2278.”
Barrel Length: 4 ¾ Inches
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 & Condition: The grips are one-piece smooth ivory grips. The grips have no notable wear or damage. The grips are numbered with the matching serial number. The one-piece grips are slightly loose. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Engraving: The revolver has Type “C” scroll engraving covering most of the revolver’s metal surfaces. The barrel, frame, backstrap, trigger guard, top strap, front sight and hammer are all engraved with deep relief engraving. The ejector head, base pin, ejector housing screw, base pin screw and all other screws are gold plated.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Hardened with Gold Accents.
Finish Originality: Refinished at the time of engraving.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99.9% of its metal finish. The revolver has no apparent handling or operational marks and appears unfired since factory testing. Without a Colt Factory letter we are not able to determine if the engraving was done by the factory. The engraving lines are sharp and distinct as a sign of high quality engraving. There are no turn lines on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has no play whatsoever. The single action trigger pull is crisp. 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: The revolver comes with a wood Colt Custom Shop Display Box with red velvet lined inserts fitted to the revolver and glass top. The case has minimal light storage wear and is in Excellent condition. A protective sock is also in the case.
Our Assessment: This Custom Engraved Third Generation Colt Single Action Army exemplifies the very highest level of decorative artistry applied to Colt’s most iconic revolver design. Produced in 1993 and executed in a richly detailed Type “C” scroll pattern, this revolver was clearly conceived as a presentation-grade piece rather than a working firearm. The depth, coverage, and consistency of the engraving immediately distinguish it from lightly embellished examples, with nearly all exposed metal surfaces serving as a canvas for dense, flowing scrollwork executed in deep relief.
The engraving quality is exceptional. The barrel, frame, top strap, backstrap, trigger guard, front sight, and hammer are all fully engraved, with sharply cut lines that remain crisp and distinct under magnification, indicating a highly skilled engraver and careful execution. Small components such as the ejector head, base pin, screws, and related hardware are gold plated, providing a striking visual contrast against the blued and case-hardened surfaces. While no Colt factory letter accompanies the revolver to confirm whether the engraving was performed in-house, the overall workmanship reflects a level consistent with top-tier custom engraving of the period. The revolver was refinished at the time of engraving, and the finish quality remains outstanding.
Condition is essentially like new on this highly collectable Colt. The revolver retains approximately 99.9 percent of its metal finish, shows no handling or operational marks, and appears unfired since factory testing. There is no cylinder turn line, the bore is mirror bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, and all markings remain clear and legible. The one-piece smooth ivory grips are numbered to the revolver, fit with only slight looseness, and remain free of cracks or damage. Mechanically, the action functions perfectly with solid lockup and a crisp single-action trigger. Housed in a Colt Custom Shop display case with red velvet lining and glass lid, this engraved Single Action Army stands as a museum-quality example of custom Colt artistry, combining exceptional engraving, outstanding condition, and the timeless appeal of the .44-40 chambering in a 4 3/4 inch configuration. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!
BF
