Antique 1st Gen. Colt Single Action Army 4.75″ .45 Colt SA Revolver 1884
SOLD FOR: $3,125.00
LSB#: LSB260520EM001
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: 108900
Year of Manufacture: 1884 / Antique (Colt Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate 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 “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871.” / “” JULY. 2.-72.” / “” JAN. 19.-75.” The left front trigger bow is marked “45 CAL”. The bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and grip strap are marked “108900”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked with a “1” and “L”. The interior of the grip is marked “8900”. The loading gate is marked “6635”.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a V-notch and groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth walnut. There are minor handling marks and compressions. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case-colored
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is defined. There is stubborn fouling present. There is no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its metal refinish. There are handling marks. There is minor corrosion staining at the muzzle and scattered minor freckling throughout the blue. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The case-color has been clear-coated but remains vibrant. The screw heads are sharp. The markings range from faint to legible. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action does not function properly. The cylinder stop does not engage and lock the cylinder. We recommend having a qualified gunsmith inspect and repair this revolver before any attempts to fire. 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: Photos, paperwork, and leather Old West Outfitters RH holster.
Our Assessment: The Colt Single Action Army was introduced in 1873 and quickly became one of the defining American revolvers of the late 19th century. Adopted by the U.S. military and widely used on the civilian frontier, the SAA combined a strong solid frame, side loading gate, rod ejector, and simple single-action lockwork with a six-shot cylinder. Chambered in .45 Colt and fitted with a 4 3/4″ barrel, this 1884 example represents the classic “gunfighter” configuration closely associated with the First Generation Single Action Army. This revolver has since been restored with renewed blue and case-colored finishes and a refinished appearance, while retaining matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard, and backstrap and a numbered walnut grip.
This restored First Generation SAA retains approximately 97% of its metal refinish, with minor handling marks, light corrosion staining at the muzzle, scattered freckling, and a cylinder turn line. The smooth walnut grip remains in Fine condition, while the semi-bright 8.5/10 bore has defined rifling, stubborn fouling, and no visible erosion. The action does not function correctly because the cylinder stop fails to engage and lock the cylinder, making this a significant mechanical defect. The revolver should not be fired until inspected and repaired by a qualified gunsmith. It is accompanied by photographs, paperwork, and a right-handed Old West Outfitters leather holster. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY