Colt SAA West Virginia Centennial Commemorative .45 Cal 5.5″ Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,175.00
LSB#: LSB251213BG009
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, West Virginia Centennial Commemorative
Serial Number: 111WVC
Year of Manufacture: 1963 / C&R
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: 6-Shot Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Non-Fluted Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. The left side of the barrel is marked “1863 WEST VIRGINIA CENTENNIAL MODEL 1963”. The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45” The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / ” JULY 2. 72 / “” JAN.19. 75” with the Rampant Colt logo. The underside of the frame is marked with the serial number “111WVC”. The left side of both grip frames are marked with the serial number. The grip panels are not marked with a serial number (per the original commemorative) but are the original style of grips the commemorative was issued with. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and at the rear with “V”.
Barrel Length: 5.5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece Colt Pearl-Lite with the gold Colt medallions on the top. The stocks show minimal marks and signs from handling and storage wear. The grips rate in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued barrel, frame and cylinder, Gold plated trigger guard and backstrap.
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion present but there is fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance shows very minimal wear from handling and storage. There is a partial intermittent turn line on the non-fluted cylinder but there is no carbon buildup. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action works properly. The cylinder lockup is tight. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Gold felt-lined wood presentation case. Case is marked with the Colt logo. The case has its original cardboard protective sleeve.
Our Assessment: The Colt Single Action Army is one of the most iconic revolvers in American firearms history and has been closely tied to the frontier era since its introduction in 1873. Chambered in .45 Colt and known for its rugged single action design, the revolver quickly became associated with the lawmen, soldiers, and settlers of the American West. During the twentieth century, Colt produced a number of special commemorative versions of the Single Action Army to honor important historical events and anniversaries, many of which were produced in limited numbers for collectors.
This example is the West Virginia Centennial Commemorative issued in 1963 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of West Virginia’s admission to the Union in 1863. The revolver features special barrel markings commemorating the centennial and is fitted with a non fluted cylinder, blued barrel and frame, and gold plated trigger guard and backstrap. The pistol is further accented by Pearl-Lite grips with gold Colt medallions and was issued in a fitted presentation case, making it an attractive commemorative display piece celebrating an important moment in state history.
This revolver remains in about Fine overall condition and retains approximately 95 percent of its original finish with only light handling and storage wear. The bore is bright with strong rifling and the revolver functions correctly with tight cylinder lockup. It is accompanied by its gold felt lined presentation case, paperwork, and original cardboard protective sleeve. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
BF