Colt 1st Generation Single Action Army SAA 5 1/2″ .45 LC Revolver, 1921 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,625.00
WOA#: WY240526BJ078
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation
Serial Number: 341589
Year of Manufacture: 1921 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
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 rampant colt logo. The bottom of the frame and the left of each portion of the grip frame are marked “341589”. The rear of the loading gate and the right-rear of the frame under the grip each have assembly number “687”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “68”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “1”. The inside of each grip panel is hand-scribed “341589”.
Barrel Length: 5 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 checkered black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel. The grips have light-moderate handling wear with some scattered scuffs and scratches. The right panel has a loss at the bottom-rear corner. The checkering ranges from well-defined to smoothed. There are no external cracks, but the right panel has cracking at the screw escutcheon bolster on the interior. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There are some scattered spots of light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 35% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The grip areas are worn to white. The butt is bent upward slightly behind the mainspring and the fit of the grips to the backstrap may indicate that the whole assembly is bent. The case color has mostly muted with some good color in protected areas. There is finish wear along the ejector housing and left of the barrel. There is scattered wear on the cylinder with strongest finish in the flutes. There are scattered light nicks and scratches. There is some minor surface oxidation. The action shows moderate-heavy operational wear, most on the side faces of the hammer. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces barely perceptible play on all six chambers. 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 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 1921. It shows its age, retaining 35% metal finish, but still has a good bore and strong mechanics. The most notable defect is the backstrap which is bent inward slightly on the butt and the fit of the grips to the backstrap may indicate the entire piece has bent. In all, this revolver looks like one that was put to its intended use over the last century, but has been generally well maintained. Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this early 20th Century example should be no exception. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
