Antique 1894 Colt Rechambered .22 LR 7″ Single Action Army Revolver w/LOA
SOLD FOR: $1,850.00
LSB#: LSB260226JD018
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army / SAA
Serial#: 157880
Year of Manufacture: 1894 Antique
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Single-Action Revolver with a 6-Round Side-Loaded Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT.19.1871” / “JULY 2.72.JAN 19.75”.The frame, grip frame, and frame but are marked with the serial number. The face of the cylinder is marked with “22”. The loading gate is marked with “635”.
Barrel Length: 7″
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a small metal blade fixed to a ramp base attached to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is ‘V’ notch integral to the top strap and visible when cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are a two piece yellowed plastic with a steer head with red eyes, molded on the right panel. The grips show moderate wear marks, from scratches and nicks, to compression dents. There are no cracks or chips. Overall, the grip panels are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with well defined rifling. There is minor fouling in the bore. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.75/10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 75% of its metal refinish. There is noticeable finish loss at the muzzle, along the barrel, and on the ejector rod housing. There is also noticeable wear on the cylinders leading edges. There are scratches and handling wear throughout the metal surfaces, as well as spots of corrosion freckling The patent markings are clear though the Rampant Colt is barely visible. Although an antique, this revolver was rechambered and re-barreled to a .22 LR, with the original chambering/barrel being a .44-40. The screwheads are tooled, with usable slots. Overall, the pistol is in Good-Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: Colt Letter of Authenticity
Our Assessment: This antique 1894 Colt Single Action Army is a well-traveled example of one of America’s most iconic revolver designs. Introduced in 1873, the Colt SAA earned lasting fame as the “Peacemaker,” serving with the U.S. military and becoming closely associated with the American frontier, lawmen, outlaws, ranchers, and working gunmen of the late 19th century. This example was manufactured during the antique era and, according to the provided information, was originally configured in .44-40 WCF before later being re-barreled and rechambered to .22 LR. While no longer in its original factory configuration, it still retains the classic side-loading SAA profile, visible patent markings, and historic Colt character, with the included Colt Letter of Authenticity adding desirable documentation to the package.
The revolver is in about Good-Very Good condition as refinished, retaining approximately 75% of its blue finish with noticeable loss at the muzzle, along the barrel, on the ejector rod housing, and at the cylinder’s leading edges. There are scattered scratches, handling wear, spots of corrosion freckling, tooled but serviceable screw slots, and a barely visible Rampant Colt, while the patent markings remain clear. The bore is bright with well-defined rifling, minor fouling, and no erosion, rating 8.75/10 in this writer’s opinion. The yellowed steer-head grip panels give the revolver a later-period personality and remain in Very Good condition despite moderate wear, nicks, compression marks, and noted cracks or chips. As a documented antique Colt SAA with a later .22 LR conversion, this revolver should appeal to collectors seeking a more accessible antique Single Action Army, a mechanically functional display piece, or a historic Colt with plenty of honest character. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY