Colt Black Powder Frame .45 Single Action Army Revolver, MFD 1880 Antique
SOLD FOR: $4620
LSB#: 210622BD06
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army Revolver
Serial Number: 56971
Year of Manufacture: 1880
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: 6-Shot Single Action Revolver with Side Gate Loaded Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”, the side is marked “45 COLT”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / “JULY, 2-72. / ” JAN. 19-75?. The frame above the firing pin is marked “H”. The serial number is found on the back strap, trigger guard and frame. The surfaces have been engraved.
Barrel Length: 7 ½”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a thin quarter-round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are one piece natural bone. The fit of these is great at the heel and backstrap and just a bit shy at the front strap. They are tight to the frame and feel nice in the hand. We would assume these are 1960’s grips, given some natural age. There is very little wear and no damage. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Plated, Nickel & Gold
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is surprisingly good, actually bright, and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. This was apparently restored/refinished as a display piece and the work was done very well. There is only infrequent evidence of metal prep and/or damage beneath the finish (right side of the frame for example). The metal prep and subsequent engraving is of very good quality. The nickel has begun to dull a bit, not the gold, and both surfaces show surface scuffing and only light scratching. We do not see evidence of it being fired since finishing… The screw heads are attractive. The markings are all legible. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A nice vintage Ed Bohlin Hollywood CA right hand, drop loop, tooled holster rig with bullet loops is present. There is surface scratching and cracking. The keeper is broken but the leg tie is present. The belt, buckle and holster are all marked with the Bohlin maker’s mark. The size is not marked but is approx. for a waist size of 38.
Our Assessment: “The Colt Single Action Army handgun is a single action revolver with a revolving cylinder holding six rounds. It was designed for the US government service revolver trials of 1873 by Colt’s Manufacturing Company and adopted as the standard military service revolver until 1892. Although the SAA has been offered in over 30 different calibers and various barrel lengths, its overall appearance has remained consistent since 1873. Colt has discontinued its production twice, but brought it back due to excessive demand.”
This 141 year old Colt SAA sports a blackpowder frame, donut ejector rod, beautiful grips and quality engraving. We assume the work was done by one of the 1960’s craftsmen that produced the quality of work that is not found much any longer, Like the holster’s maker…
Bohlin is one of the prominent holster and saddle makers in history, starting in Cody WY in 1920 and finding their way to Hollywood CA, making pieces for just about every Hollywood star and production, including The Lone Ranger.
What a gorgeous ensemble. A throwback to the glory days of gun making, holster making and movie making!