1st Generation Colt Single Action Army SAA 5.5″ .38 W.C.F. Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,802.99
LSB#: LSB260323CL018
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: 312474
Year of Manufacture: 1910 / C&R (Colt Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .38 W.C.F.
Action Type: 6-Shot Single Action Revolver with Side Gate Loaded Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “.38 W.C.F.”. 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 a circled Rampant Colt. There is a “VP” on the left trigger bow. The bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and the butt are marked “312474”. The loading gate is marked “336”. The face of the cylinder is marked “892B.
Barrel Length: 5.5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a V-notch integral to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece stag grips. There are minor handling scratches. There are no cracks or chips. These grips are not original to this revolver. Overall, the grips rate in about Fine Condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case-colored frame
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is no erosion present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains 98% of its metal refinish. There are polish marks along the barrel and cylinder. There are minor scratches and scuffs throughout. There is a noticeable scratch on the top right of the backstrap. The case-color is vibrant. There is a faint turn line on the cylinder. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder locks with no play at each chamber. We have not fired this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Colt Single Action Army is one of the most significant American revolver designs, introduced in 1873 and remaining a fixture of the frontier, military, law-enforcement, and sporting markets for generations. The .38 W.C.F., better known today as the .38-40 Winchester, joined Colt’s SAA offerings in 1884 and became one of the model’s most successful chamberings, with more than 50,000 First Generation Colt single actions produced in the cartridge across the standard SAA and related variations. Its popularity was aided by the ability to pair a revolver with Winchester lever-action rifles chambered for the same cartridge. This revolver consequently represents the mature pre-World War I form of the First Generation SAA, combining one of Colt’s classic standard barrel lengths with one of the most historically important Winchester centerfire chamberings.
This First Generation SAA has been comprehensively refinished and now retains approximately 98% of that finish, with vibrant case coloring and strong blue presenting attractively despite visible polishing marks, scattered scratches and scuffs, and a notable scratch on the upper right backstrap. The replacement stag grips remain in Fine condition and give the revolver a traditional Western appearance, though they do not contribute to factory originality. Importantly, the frame, trigger guard, and backstrap carry matching serial number 312474, while the bright 9/10 bore with well-defined rifling and no erosion is an unusually strong feature for a revolver of this age. The crisp trigger, tight cylinder lockup at each chamber, and proper mechanical function further enhance the revolver as a handsome and mechanically strong example, though the refinish and replacement stocks substantially temper its collector originality. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY