Colt 1st Gen. Single Action Army SAA 4.75″ .38-40 WCF Revolver 1921 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,625.00
LSB #: LSB260412XX105
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: 341189
Year of Manufacture: 1921
Caliber: .38-40 Winchester
Action Type: Single Action Side Loading Gate Revolver
Barrel Length: 4 3/4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tapered blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at their tops. The inside of each panel has “2134” hand-scribed with the right also having “BE TERRELL”. Originally black, the grips are starting to go to a brownish color. The grips have even light-moderate handling wear. There are some light nicks and small scratches. The right panel has a more notable ding at the bottom edge near the front. The checkering is generally well defined with a few smoothed spots on the left panel. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in Good-Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray, the rifling is well defined. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5+/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 5% of its metal finish. Finish remains only in well protected areas. Most is not visible when the revolver is assembled with the hammer down, there is some blue finish on the cylinder on two sides, aligning with the top and bottom of the frame when oriented correctly. What appears to be an ID number is hand-scribed on the fronstrap. Exposed surfaces show scattered oxidation and some areas where it appears the finish was chemically stripped. There are some scattered light marks. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. 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 more than a century and a half, they are still being made, today!
This example is a 1st Generation Single Action Army made in 1921. It is chambered for .38-40 Winchester with a 4 3/4″ barrel, allowing for the use of the same cartridge in your revolver as your Winchester rifle. The revolver shows its age, with areas appearing to have had finish chemically stripped and others with surface oxidation. It seems to have sat in the same position for some time as there is strong case color on the sides of the hammer, visible when cocked, some blue on the cylinder which is covered by the frame when oriented properly and some good blue on the grip frame under the grip panels. Also of note is how strong the mechanics and intact the markings are given the overall exterior appearance. Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this early 20th Century example should be no exception. It would also be a prime candidate for restoration. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Bud/MA