Colt Frontier Six Shooter SAA .44-40 Single Action Revolver, 1883 Antique
SOLD FOR: $3,300
LSB#: 230914LM057
Make: Colt
Model: Frontier Six Shooter
Serial Number: 97589
Year of Manufacture: 1883 (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. The left has a crack at the bottom edge. There are some scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. The wood is generally shy to the frame. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as Antique and likely not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: No finish remains.
Finish Originality: We don’t see anything to indicate that a new finish has been applied. The serialized parts are matching.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is light erosion scattered through the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7 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 with edges worn to white. There is scattered light surface erosion with some light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. The markings are generally clear, the etched panel is shallow. Overall, this revolver is in Good-Very Good condition as Antique (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The hammer can be dropped from half-cock by pressing the trigger. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The timing is correct and the cylinder locks up with very little play on all six chambers. The cylinder has a removable 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 1883. It has the classic 7 1/2″ barrel, black-powder style frame with the cylinder pin retained by a screw, and etched-panel barrel. In about Very Good condition with decent 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
