Antique Colt SAA 4 3/4″ .45 Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1884 w/Letter
SOLD FOR: $2,576.00
LSB#: LSB260301RW082
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army / SAA
Serial#: 110573
Year of Manufacture: 1884 Antique / (Colt Serial Reference)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single-Action Revolver with a 6-Round Side-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 frame is marked with “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871.” / “JULY 2-72. JAN 19-75.”. The loading gate has “8898” marked. The left side of the trigger guard is marked .45 CAL. The interior of the right grip panel has the names “WARNER” and “PETTY” etched. The serial number is marked on the frame, grip frame, and butt of the frame.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4″
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a metal blade fixed 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 checkered black hard rubber with the Rampant Colt logo in an oval and eagle and shield at the bottom. The grips show heavy wear with scratches. There are a few spots of checkering visible, yet completely smoothed over. There are no sharp peaks. The left grip has lost almost all defining characteristics. There is a crack in the right grip. Overall, the grip panels are in Poor condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is defined. There is black powder erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 83% of its finish. There is finish loss and flaking along the metal surfaces. There are scratches, dings, and noticeable freckling and spots of corrosion throughout. The head of the cylinder pin is marred. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The screwheads are tooled, with usable slots. The markings are present, yet barely legible. Overall, the pistol is in Fair condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock up is tight with no perceptible play. 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 1884 Colt Single Action Army is a documented 1st Generation example of Colt’s most famous revolver, complete with a Colt Letter of Authenticity. Introduced in 1873, the SAA became the U.S. Army’s standard sidearm and one of the defining handguns of the American frontier, later earning its enduring “Peacemaker” reputation through military, civilian, ranch, law-enforcement, and outlaw use. This example is chambered in the classic .45 Colt and fitted with the desirable 4 3/4″ barrel, a compact and fast-handling configuration often associated with civilian carry. Its 1884 manufacture date places it firmly in the antique blackpowder era, and the original nickel finish gives it a distinctly period-correct presentation. The etched names “WARNER” and “PETTY” inside the right grip panel add an interesting layer of personal history to the revolver.
This revolver is in about Fair overall condition, retaining approximately 83% of its original nickel finish with flaking, finish loss, scratches, dings, freckling, and scattered corrosion consistent with age and use. The markings are present but barely legible, the cylinder shows a turn line, the cylinder pin head is marred, and the screwheads are tooled but serviceable. The bore is semi-bright with defined rifling, but shows blackpowder erosion and pitting, rating 5/10 in this writer’s opinion. The black hard rubber eagle-and-shield grips are heavily worn, with smoothed checkering, loss of detail, and a crack in the right panel, rating Poor. Mechanically, the action functions correctly and the lockup is tight with no perceptible play, which is a notable strength for an 1880s Colt. As a lettered antique .45 Colt SAA with original nickel finish and honest 19th-century wear, this revolver should appeal to Colt collectors, frontier-era arms enthusiasts, and bidders seeking a genuine early Single Action Army with real historical character. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY