Antique Colt SAA 4 3/4″ .45 Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1891 w/Letter
SOLD FOR: $2,951.00
LSB#: LSB260301RW083
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army / SAA
Serial#: 143211
Year of Manufacture: 1891 Antique / Colt Letter
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single-Action Revolver with a 6-Round Side-Loaded Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “45 COLT.”. 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.” and Rampant Colt logo. The loading gate has “331” marked. 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 thin 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. The grips show heavy wear with scratches and nicks. There are a few spots of checkering visible, yet completely smoothed over. There are no sharp peaks. There is discoloration due to age. There are no cracks or chips. Overall, the grip panels are in Good 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 45% 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 has some minor marring. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The screwheads are tooled, with usable slots, with the exception of the cylinder pin screw which appears to be stripped and marred. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, the pistol is in Fair-Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock up is tight with minimal play. There is a minor end shake. 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 1891 Colt Single Action Army is a documented 1st Generation example of Colt’s legendary “Peacemaker,” complete with a Colt Letter of Authenticity. Introduced in 1873, the Single Action Army became one of the defining revolvers of the American frontier and saw broad use with soldiers, lawmen, ranchers, outlaws, and civilians throughout the late 19th century. This revolver is chambered in the classic .45 Colt cartridge and fitted with the desirable 4 3/4″ barrel, a fast-handling configuration long associated with civilian carry and frontier-era sidearms. Its original nickel finish, clear markings, matching serial-numbered frame components, and 1891 antique manufacture date give it strong period appeal for Colt collectors and Old West arms enthusiasts.
This revolver rates in about Fair-Good overall condition, retaining approximately 45% of its original nickel finish with flaking, finish loss, scratches, dings, freckling, and scattered corrosion from age and use. The bore is semi-bright with defined rifling, but shows blackpowder erosion and pitting, rating 5/10 in this writer’s opinion. The checkered black hard rubber Rampant Colt grips show heavy wear, smoothed checkering, scratches, nicks, and age discoloration, but remain free of cracks or chips and rate in Good condition. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, the lockup is tight with minimal play, and there is only minor end shake. With its Colt Letter, antique status, .45 Colt chambering, original nickel finish, and honest 19th-century wear, this Single Action Army should appeal to bidders seeking a genuine early Colt SAA with documented provenance and substantial frontier-era character. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY