Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA 4.75” .38-40 WCF Revolver, 1901 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,286.00
LSB#: LSB250601SP025
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation
Serial Number: 212377
Year of Manufacture: 1901 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38-40 Winchester (W.C.F.)
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 smooth maple. There are light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is defined where not interrupted by erosion. There is light to mild erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 5.5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 10% of its metal finish. Most surfaces have gone to a fairly uniform patina and worn to white. There are some trace amounts of finish in the highly protected areas. There is some surface erosion throughout. There is operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this revolver is in 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: This revolver comes with a Colt Factory Letter that confirms a 4 ¾” barrel, .38/40 caliber, and a shipment date of July 24, 1901 to Hibbard Spencer, Bartlett Company, Chicago, Illinois with a shipment of 10 guns.
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 .38-40 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.
