Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA 7 1/2″ .32-20 WCF Revolver, 1901 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2612.99
LSB#: 230615MN002
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation
Serial Number: 215316
Year of Manufacture: 1901 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .32-20 WCF (Winchester Center Fire)
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Barrel Length: 7 1/2”
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 bone panels. The left panel is smooth, the right has been carved with what appears to be a “JT” monogram or perhaps “pi”. The panels show discoloration from age and handling, having extensive grain-lines showing. There are no chips. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: The only remaining finish is bluing on the barrel.
Finish Originality: Remaining finish appears Original. Most surfaces appear to have had their finish removed intentionally. The cylinder pin retainer is not original to the gun.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is worn, but visible. There is light erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 4 out of 10.
Many military and C&R-eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 10% of its metal finish. Finish remains only on the barrel, mostly toward the muzzle-end with some under and around the ejector housing. Other surfaces appear to have had their finish removed intentionally with some areas going to a light patina. There are some scattered spots of light surface oxidation and minor erosion. There are some light nicks and scratches including clusters around the cylinder pin head and the ejector tab. The cylinder pin head shows notable wear and the ejector tab is bent back slightly. The action shows operational wear including turn wear on the cylinder. 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 Fair-Good condition.
Mechanics: We were not able to remove the cylinder pin due to the new retainer. The cylinder can be pushed out of lock on each chamber without too much effort. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. 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: 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! The 1st Generation Single Action Army was produced from 1873 to 1941 and are quite sought after by collectors.
This example is in decent shape for a 120+ year old revolver that has seen its share of use. It retains matching serial numbers on the frame and grip frame and it appears that someone began the process of restoration, with most surfaces having the finish stripped. The restoration process would be well worth finishing. It would also display well as-is, especially with its attractive custom grips. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
