Antique 1st Gen Colt SAA 4 3/4″ .45 Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1896
SOLD FOR; $2,925.00
LSB#: LSB260301RW080
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army / SAA
Serial#: 164238
Year of Manufacture: 1896 Antique / (Colt Serial Reference)
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 the Rampant Colt logo. The loading gate has “761” marked. The butt of the cylinder is stamped with a “V”. The serial number is marked on the frame, grip frame, and the butt of the grip.
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. The grips show heavy wear with scratches and nicks. Spots of checkering are visible, yet almost completely smoothed over. There are no sharp peaks. There is a large chip out of the right panel at the butt. There is a crack on the interior of the right grip, which does not appear on the surface. Overall, the grip panels are in Fair condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case-colored
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 a 5/10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 50% of its finish. There is finish loss throughout the barrel, ejector rod housing, cylinder, and grip frame. The remaining blue finish has turned to patina. There are scratches and noticeable dings throughout. The head of the cylinder pin is marred. There appears to be a spot of corrosion present on the loading gate. There is a noticeable turn line on the cylinder. The screwheads are tooled, with usable slots. Overall, the pistol is in Fair-Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: None
Our Assessment: This antique 1896 Colt Single Action Army is a genuine 1st Generation example of one of the most important American revolver designs ever produced. Introduced in 1873 and famously known as the “Peacemaker,” the Colt SAA became the U.S. Army’s standard sidearm and later an enduring symbol of the frontier West. This revolver is especially appealing for its classic .45 Colt chambering and handy 4 3/4″ barrel, a configuration long favored by civilians, lawmen, and working gunmen for its balance and ease of carry. Its 1896 manufacture date places it firmly in the antique, blackpowder-era production period, giving it strong historical character even with its considerable age and wear.
This example remains in about Fair-Good overall condition, retaining approximately 50% of its original blue finish, much of which has turned to patina. There is finish loss throughout the barrel, ejector rod housing, cylinder, and grip frame, along with scratches, dings, a marred cylinder pin head, a turn line on the cylinder, and a spot of corrosion on the loading gate. The bore is semi-bright with defined rifling, but also shows blackpowder erosion and pitting, rating 5/10 in this writer’s opinion. The black hard rubber Rampant Colt grips show heavy wear, mostly smoothed checkering, a large chip at the right panel butt, and an internal crack, rating Fair. Despite its cosmetic wear, the action functions correctly, and this remains a desirable antique 1st Gen Colt SAA in .45 Colt with honest frontier-era character and collector appeal. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY