Colt Frontier Six Shooter SAA .44-40 Single Action Revolver, 1881 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2920
LSB#: 230914LM043
Make: Colt
Model: Frontier Six Shooter
Serial Number: 72470
Year of Manufacture: 1881 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Barrel Length: 7 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth walnut. There are losses at the bottom-front corners on each side. The left has a crack at the bottom edge. There are some scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. The surfaces are weathered. Overall, the grip is in Good-plus condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: No finish remains.
Finish Originality: We don’t see anything to indicate that a new finish has been applied.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is erosion and some minor pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5 out of 10.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors’ firearms.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 0% of its metal finish. The surfaces have gone to a fairly uniform light patina. There is scattered surface erosion, most notable on the ejector housing and the right of the frame. There are scattered nicks and scratches with some more notable marks on the outside of the cylinder. The cylinder pin head is tool marked. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the etched panel is worn away. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The timing is correct and the cylinder locks up with light play on all six chambers. The cylinder had a removable bushing, but it is seized in place. We were not able to remove the bushing. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. 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. Originally introduced in Colt’s .45 caliber, the demand for a revolver compatible with Winchester’s cartridges for their 1873 led to the introduction of the Frontier Six Shooter, essentially just a SAA chambered for the Winchester cartridge. This example is a 1st generation Frontier Six Shooter produced in 1881. It has the classic 7 1/2″ barrel, black-powder style frame with the cylinder pin retained by a screw, and etched-panel barrel, though the panel has worn away. In Very Good condition with strong mechanics for a 140 year old revolver, this will make a fine addition to any Colt revolver collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
