Colt Frontier Six Shooter SAA .44-40 WCF Single Action Revolver, 1921 C&R

SOLD FOR: $4225

LSB#: 230720TT005

Make: Colt

Model: Frontier Six Shooter

Serial Number: 342529

Year of Manufacture: 1921 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .44-40 Winchester (W.C.F.)

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder

Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER”, the top is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co / HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.”. 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 “342529”. The rear of the frame (under the grip) and the rear of the loading gate each has assembly number “659”. There is extensive foliate hand-engraving on the barrel, frame, cylinder and grip frame with punch-dot fills in the negative spaces.

Barrel Length: 4 3/4”

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 smooth pearl panels. The grips have some minor discoloration from handling on the exterior, the interior shows more notable discoloration from age and oil. There are some minor losses at the top edges of the left panel, each panel has larger, shallow losses on the interior face. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: The surfaces appear to have been nickel-plated and then gold-washed.

Finish Originality: Refinished, likely original to the time of engraving.

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with well defined rifling. There is minor erosion and spots of light pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 6 or 7 out of 10.

Many military and C&R-eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 15% of its gold-wash finish, only in protected areas, with about 80% of the plating remaining. Most of the balance in the plating is flaking in the grip areas and hammer spur. These areas show dark discoloration from oxidation. There is some more minor flaking along edges of deeper cuts of the engraving. There are some scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are tool marks on the cylinder pin head. The action shows operational wear including turn-wear on the cylinder. The markings are clear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this revolver is in Good-Very Good condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with very little 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 has been beautifully engraved and refinished, appearing to have had a gold wash applied over nickel plating. The gun shows some wear from age and handling, but is still an attractive piece, retaining a decent bore and strong mechanics. Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this engraved 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