Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army .45 Colt 4.75” SA Revolver, C&R 1903
SOLD FOR: $2,675.00
LSB#: LSB260124GG009
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation
Serial Number: 244067
Year of Manufacture: 1903 / C&R
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871 . JULY. 72 JAN.19.75”. The bottom of the frame is marked “244067”. The bottom of the grip frame is marked “244 / 067”. The loading gate is marked “5659”.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece bone panels. There is light handling wear. There are a few faint scratches. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright and the rifling is defined. There is light erosion in the bore. There is light pitting in the bore. There is fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There are scratches and oxidation. Where the nickel has flaked off there is oxidation. There are light nicks throughout. There is a turn line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and smoothly. The trigger is crisp. 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: The Colt Single Action Army is one of the most iconic revolvers ever produced, introduced in 1873 and closely associated with the American frontier and military service. First Generation examples such as this 1903 production revolver represent the continued commercial success of the design well after its initial military adoption. Chambered in .45 Colt, the cartridge developed alongside the revolver in the 1870s, the platform became synonymous with reliability, power, and enduring American design. By the early twentieth century, these revolvers were widely used by civilians, lawmen, and outdoorsmen across the country.
This example was manufactured in 1903 and retains about 97 percent of its original nickel finish with light handling wear, scattered scratches, and areas of flaking with underlying oxidation visible. The bone grip panels show light handling marks but remain in Fine condition with no cracks or chips. The bore appears semi bright with defined rifling along with light erosion, pitting, and fouling present, rating 6 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly with a smooth operation and crisp trigger. Overall, this revolver presents as a well preserved First Generation Colt Single Action Army with strong finish and classic configuration. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P