Colt 2nd Gen. Single Action Army .45 Colt 5.5″ SAA Revolver, Letter & Box
SOLD FOR: $6,525.00
LSB#: LSB250803JT015
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army (Second Generation)
Serial Number: 1028SA
Year of Manufacture: December 12, 1955 (Colt Factory Letter), C&R
Caliber: .45 Colt
Barrel Length: 5½”
Action Type: Single Action Revolver
Markings: The left side of the frame is marked with patent dates “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871 / JULY 2.72 JAN. 19.75” beneath the rampant Colt logo. The top of the barrel is marked with the Hartford one-line address, and the left side of the barrel reads “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45”. The serial number “1028SA” appears on the frame and trigger guard strap, consistent with early Second Generation serial placements.
Finish: High-polish blue barrel and cylinder with vivid case-colored frame.
Finish Originality: Original
Barrel & Sights: The revolver is fitted with a 5½” barrel and standard SAA sights consisting of a front blade and a square-notch rear cut into the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: Black checkered hard rubber grips with the Colt Rampant Horse molded at each side. Also included are a set of period stag grips that accompany the gun but are not currently mounted. Both sets show minimal handling wear, with the stag panels exhibiting natural texture and patina consistent with age.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver is in outstanding collector-grade condition. The finish shows excellent luster with only light handling marks and faint evidence of careful rotation on the cylinder. The color case-hardened frame retains strong, vivid hues. The screw heads remain sharp, and all markings are crisp and legible. The included original Colt black-and-gold factory box with yellow tissue and matching “.45 COLT / 5½ INCH BBL” end label adds exceptional provenance. The revolver retains the look of a factory-fresh Colt, with minor age toning to the frame and bright, unmarred bluing elsewhere.
Mechanics: The action functions properly with solid lock-up and crisp trigger break. The hammer holds securely at all notches, and the cylinder times correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Accessories: Original Colt black-and-gold factory box with internal yellow tissue paper, Colt factory letter dated April 13, 2004 (verifying caliber, barrel length, finish, shipment, and manufacture dates), handwritten note referencing Don Wilkerson’s research, and an additional pair of period genuine stag grips.
Provenance / Shipping Record: Per the Colt factory letter, this revolver was shipped on December 15, 1955, to Arizona Hardware Company, P.O. Box 2110, Phoenix, Arizona. It was one of only eight Single Action Army revolvers shipped that year — the 28th Second Generation SAA produced.
Our Assessment:
This is one of the earliest known Second Generation Colt Single Action Army revolvers — a historically significant transitional example marking Colt’s celebrated return to production after World War II. Serial number 1028SA falls among the first 30 guns produced when Colt resumed the legendary Single Action Army line in late 1955, immediately following a 12-year hiatus. The .45 Colt chambering, 5½” barrel, and early high-polish finish exemplify Colt’s craftsmanship at its mid-century revival peak.
The Colt factory letter authenticates its December 1955 shipment to Arizona Hardware Company — a key detail linking it to the first wave of 2nd Gen SAAs, preceding regular 1956 production. The revolver’s matching box, crisp markings, and fine case colors elevate it beyond rarity into true collector status. It represents the earliest postwar continuation of the American icon that defined the frontier and remains one of the most historically meaningful pieces in any Colt collection. This is one of a consecutive serial number matched pair; we currently offer Colt SAA serial number 1027SA in .38 Special for auction under a separate listing. So bid high and bid firm. I encourage you to look at the item’s condition in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
