Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA 4.75” .32-20 WCF Revolver, 1901 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,080.00
LSB#: LSB250731EK138
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation
Serial Number: 211329
Year of Manufacture: 1901 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .32-20 Winchester (W.C.F.)
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “32 W.C.F”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT.SEPT.19.1871. / JULY 2.72.JAN.19.75” with a Colt Rampant. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT.F.A.MFG.Co. / HARTFORD. CT. U.AS.A”. The bottom of the frame, trigger guard frame, grip frame are marked with a matching “211329” serial number. The rear of the loading gate is marked “389”.
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 checkered hard rubber with Colt Rampants molded at their tops. There are mild handling marks. The checkering is defined with lightly worn peaks. There are minor nicks around the bottom of the grips. Overall, the grips are Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is well defined. There is minor corrosion in the muzzle. There is no notable erosion. There is some stubborn fouling scattered throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about none of its metal finish. Most surfaces have worn to white. There are trace amounts of case color in the loading gate port. There is some faint surface erosion throughout with intermittent oxidation. There is operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Fair – Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces very little play side-to-side and minor end-shake on all six chambers. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder is designed with a removable bushing, but we were not able to remove it from 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 (and still does, today). 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 1901. The revolver is chambered for the classic .32-20 Winchester cartridge, which would make it a nice companion for a lever action carbine chambered for the same round. It is in Good condition, retaining a little of its original finish and with strong mechanics. Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this late 19th Century example should be no exception. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S
