Colt 1st Gen. Single Action Army 5 1/2” .38 WCF SAA Revolver 1899 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,161.00

LSB#: LSB251016KS011

Make: Colt

Model: 187742 – All matching

Year of Manufacture: 1899 / C&R 

Caliber: .38-40 Winchester Center Fire (.38 WCF)

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 left side of the barrel is marked “.38 W.C.F.”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871. / JULY 2. 72. JAN. 19. 75.” and with a Rampant Colt logo. The bottom front of the frame and trigger guard are marked with the serial number “187742”. The butt strap is marked with the last three digits of the serial number, “742”. The loading gate is marked with assembly number “554”. 

Barrel Length: 5 1/2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade soldered to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are replacement engraved metal grips from Mexico. They have gold Aztec symbols on both grip panels.  The grips fit poorly to the backstrap.  There are no chips or cracks. There are minor scratches and scuffs and they are tarnished. Overall, the grips are in about Fair condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Chromed

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition:  The bore is dull with significant erosion present throughout the entire barrel.  There is erosion in the lands and stubborn fouling.  In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 4/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains 70% of its chrome metal refinish. The gun was heavily polished prior to refinishing and many of the markings are dulled from the polishing. Much of the polishing swirls can be seen under the refinish. There is even fine pitting underneath the finish, particularly on the frame and cylinder. The cylinder has drag marks with wear in the cylinder stops. The face of the cylinder has carbon rings around the chambers.  The screw heads are sharp and serviceable. The action shows limited operational wear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fair condition as a 100+-year old firearm.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder locks with light play on 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 enduring and recognizable firearms in American history, and this first generation example manufactured in 1899 represents the revolver at the height of its frontier era relevance. By the turn of the 20th century, the SAA had already cemented its place as the sidearm of choice for soldiers, civilians, cowboys, lawmen, and outlaws alike across the American West. Chambered in .38-40 Winchester, a cartridge favored for its compatibility with contemporary lever action rifles, this revolver reflects a period when practicality and versatility drove firearm selection in both rural and commercial settings.

This example shows clear evidence of extensive use and later modification over its long life. The revolver has been refinished in chrome, with heavy polishing that has softened many of the original factory markings and left visible polishing swirls beneath the finish. The bore exhibits significant erosion consistent with age and prolonged use, and the replacement engraved metal grips, while visually distinctive, are not factory correct and fit poorly to the backstrap. 

Despite its condition and alterations, this revolver retains important historical value as a documented first generation Colt Single Action Army, supported by matching serial numbers on major components. It stands as a tangible artifact of Colt’s late 19th century production and the transitional period from black powder to early smokeless powder cartridges. For collectors and historians, it offers an opportunity to own an authentic frontier era Colt with undeniable character and a century of visible history behind it. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and best of luck with your bids!!!

BF/MA