Cattle Brand Engraved Colt Single Action Army SAA .45 Revolver, 1902 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,500
LSB#: 231213CG061
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation
Serial Number: 235176
Year of Manufacture: 1902 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Barrel Length: 4 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch at the rear of a groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece stag panels. The grips have minor handling wear with only a few light marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: The surfaces have been polished bright.
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is worn, but visible. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 96% of its current metal finish. There are some scattered rough polish marks. There is infrequent minor discoloration from oxidation. There is some minor erosion on the front face of the cylinder. There are a few minor nicks and tiny scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. The serial markings on the grip frame have been re-applied. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition as refinished (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The cylinder tends to over-rotate when operated briskly. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. Lockup produces light play on all six chambers. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder has a removable bushing, but the bushing is fairly tight in the cylinder. 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: None.
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. Produced for nearly a century and a half, they are still being made, today!
This example is a 1st Generation Single Action Army made in 1902. It has been polished bright and custom engraved with foliate scroll and cattle brands, set off by a set of stag grip panels. The result is a visually striking piece. The revolver is in about Good condition as refinished, retaining about 96% of its new finish, needing a little bit of work on its timing. Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this engraved early 20th Century example should be no exception. It will display well and would also be a good candidate for restoration. Please see our photos and good luck!
