Colt Single Action Army 2nd Gen SAA .45 Colt 4 3/4″ Revolver, 1959 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,913.99
LSB#: LSB251007CL019
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 2nd Generation
Serial Number: 24854SA
Year of Manufacture: 1959 / C&R (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup),
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”, the left is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2, 72 JAN. 19, 75” and with a rampant colt logo. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle at the front and “F” at the rear. The right of the trigger guard is marked “P”. The bottom of the frame and the left of each portion of the trigger guard are each marked “24854SA”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked with a rampant colt logo. Each grip panel is marked with the matching partial serial number “854”. The loading gate is marked with assembly number “304”.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter-round blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch at the rear of a groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber panels with rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel. There is minor handling wear. The checkering is slightly worn. There is good detail in the Colt emblems. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition..
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 92% of its metal finish. The case coloring is vivid. There are carbon rings on the cylinder. The balance of the finish shows handling and operation wear. There is thinning of the finish on the leading edges. There is minor finish loss at the muzzle. There is a very faint thin turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces no perceptible play. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder’s bushing is separate from the cylinder. 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: This revolver comes with a Colt Factory cardboard box.
Our Assessment: The Colt Single Action Army Second Generation represents Colt’s celebrated return to one of the most iconic revolver designs in American history. After First Generation production ceased in 1941, Colt reintroduced the Single Action Army in 1956 in response to renewed public demand driven by postwar Western films, television, and a growing collector market. These Second Generation revolvers were produced using original Colt tooling and closely followed prewar specifications, making them highly regarded for their craftsmanship, materials, and continuity with nineteenth-century production. By 1959, Colt’s SAA production was well established, and revolvers from this period reflect a mature balance of classic design and mid-century manufacturing quality.
This 1959 example is chambered in the traditional .45 Colt and fitted with the desirable 4 3/4 inch barrel, a configuration long favored for its balance and handling. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 9.5 out of 10. The revolver retains approximately 92 percent of its original blue and case-colored finish, with vivid case colors still present. Condition reflects light, honest use, including carbon rings on the cylinder, a very faint cylinder turn line, minor thinning on leading edges, and slight finish loss at the muzzle. Markings remain clear and crisp, screw heads are sharp, and the revolver retains the correct separate cylinder bushing characteristic of early Second Generation SAAs.
The revolver is fitted with original black hard rubber grips bearing Rampant Colt ovals, all of which remain in excellent condition with sharp checkering and no chips or cracks. Mechanically, the action functions correctly with solid lockup, no perceptible play, and a crisp trigger pull. The revolver is accompanied by its Colt factory cardboard box, further enhancing its collector appeal. Overall, this Colt Single Action Army stands as a fine example of a late-1950s Second Generation revolver, combining classic configuration, strong original finish, and desirable condition in one of Colt’s most enduring and historically significant models. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!
BF
