Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA .45 7 1/2″ Revolver, MFD 1876 Antique
Sold For: $4,001
LSB#: 200922JM09
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: 23490
Year of Manufacture: 1876 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: 6-Shot Single Action Revolver with Side Gate Loaded Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “-COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG Co HARTFORD CT U S A.-”, the underside is marked under the ejector rod housing with “3490”. The outside of the cylinder is marked “3490”, the rear face is marked “0” and “C”. The bottom of the frame at the front, the bottom of the trigger guard at the front and the butt are each marked “23490”. The left trigger guard flat is marked “45 CAL”. The hammer slot is marked “H”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871 / PAT. JULY. 2. 1872”. The rear face of the loading gate has “2081” assembly number.
Barrel Length: 7 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a thin quarter-round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one-piece smooth walnut. The grip has minor handling wear with only a few scattered light marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in about Fine-plus condition as likely refinished or not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: The surfaces have been polished bright.
Finish Originality: The finish appears to have been intentionally removed.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is some light erosion and infrequent minor pitting scattered through the bore.
Overall Condition: The metal surfaces have been polished bright at some time in the past. There is some scattered discoloration from oxidation, nicks, scuffs and scratches. The cylinder pin head is tool marked. The cylinder has a turn-line. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with useable slots. The markings range from clear to shallow and incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in about Good-Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder locks with little play on each chamber. The cylinder bushing is removable. 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: This revolver comes with a Colt letter confirming the revolver was originally shipped May 15, 1876 to H&D Folsom Arms Company in New York, New York. The revolver was one of 50 guns of the same type in the shipment.
Our Assessment: Colt’s Single Action Army is, perhaps more than any other, an iconic American pistol. It was the U.S. issue sidearm for the last two decades of the 19th century, used by pioneers, outlaws and lawmen across the expanding nation, and captivated audiences on the silver screen and television (and still does, today). This example retains strong mechanics, a nice bore for a revolver that would have seen use with black powder more than 140 years ago, and has matching serialized parts. The finish has been removed, but the markings have been generally well preserved. Whether you’re willing to add a SAA to your collection that looks like it’s “been there and done that” or want to restore this old pony, this is a nice example of Colt quality, still functioning properly after nearly a century and a half. Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT OF STATE RESIDENTS): This cartridge-firing Antique can be transferred in California but we will transfer through your local dealer or at our Simi Valley location; we will not ship directly to you. Out of state residents can disregard this section – your local laws apply.
