Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA Engraved .45 Revolver, 1893 Antique

SOLD FOR: $4025

LSB#: 210126RC02

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation

Serial Number: 151149

Year of Manufacture: 1893 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup), shipped April, 1892 (letter)

Caliber: .45 Colt

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. Co / HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.”, the left is marked “45 COLT”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871. / JULY 2. 72. JAN 19. 75.” and with a circled rampant colt logo. The bottom of the frame and the bottom of the trigger guard at the front are each marked “151149”. The butt of the grip frame is marked “151 / 149”. The rear of the loading gate has assembly number “615”. The revolver has Wolf and Klar-style engraving.

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 pearl panels. The right panel has chipping at the top-front, the left has smaller losses at the top edge and there are a few other very minor losses at edges. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs, scratches and spots of discoloration. Overall, the grips are in about Good-Very Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Silver Plated. There is a copper-gold color in the hammer and cylinder flutes, it is not clear if this was a decorative finish or if it is the base for the silver plating which has been exposed through wear.

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and some minor pitting in the bore.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 65% of its current metal finish. There is scattered finish wear, most notable on the recoil shield, the front of the frame below the cylinder pin screw and in the grip areas. Scattered areas of the silver-plate have darkened with age. There is scattered surface oxidation and some erosion, most notable in the grip areas. The cylinder flutes and the sides of the hammer have a copper/gold color, either decorative finish or a base for the silver plate. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with useable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Good-plus condition as Antique and refinished (see Mechanics).

Mechanics: The cylinder stop does not properly engage the cylinder at full cock, allowing the cylinder to turn back or to be pushed forward. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder has a removable bushing. 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 revolver is the iconic sidearm of the cowboy, lawman, and outlaw. This example is a 1st Generation SAA made in 1893. Chambered in the classic .45 Colt cartridge, it has been custom engraved in the Wolf and Klar style with a new silver finish applied to the metal and pearl grips installed. This example shows its age and will need a little work before it functions properly. This would be a nice candidate for restoration and will yield a classic American revolver. Please see our photos and good luck!