Colt Single Action Army SAA 1873 US Artillery-style Revolver, 1883 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,000.00
LSB#: LSB260618HK002
Make: Colt
Model: 1873 Single Action Army, 1st Generation, Blackpowder Frame, “Artillery”-style
Serial Number: 96527
Year of Manufacture: 1883 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 Colt, Black Powder
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Barrel Length: The barrel has been cut to approximately 5″.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade mounted to a slot on the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the topstrap
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one piece smooth walnut. The backstrap inlet has “8879” hand-written, the cartouche on the left has almost completely worn away. The grip has a few light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in Very Good-plus condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: No finish remains.
Finish Originality: The revolver appears to have been refinished in the past. The cylinder, barrel and frame are matching. The trigger guard is non-matching and there is no visible serial marking on the backstrap. The front sight is not original to the gun and we believe the hammer has been replaced.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well-defined rifling. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 0% of its metal finish. The surfaces have gone to a fairly uniform light patina with some areas worn to white. There is evenly scattered minor surface erosion. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are tool marks on and around the head of the cylinder pin as well as in the cylinder flutes. There are tool marks around some screw heads. The action shows operational wear including turn-wear on the cylinder. The screw heads range from tool-marked to disfigured with usable slots. Most markings are clear, some markings are worn, but legible. There are no visible military inspector marks and the backstrap serial is gone. Overall, this revolver is in Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup shows a light play on all six chambers. The trigger pull is crisp, but heavy. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This revolver started out life in 1883 as a Cavalry Model SAA revolver with 7 1/2″ barrel made for the U.S. Army. It is currently in an “Artillery”-like configuration, with the barrel shortened to approximately 5″. It is not clear if this is a genuine arsenal-converted model that was later altered after the revolver left military service. The “Artillery” moniker is a collector’s term, as the modified revolvers were most notable for their issue to U.S. Artillery units in the Spanish-American war.
The serial numbers match on the cylinder, barrel and frame with non-matching grip and trigger guard, the backstrap has no serial marking remaining. The revolver shows its age, but must have a very interesting history, if only it could be told. All of the Colt 1st Generation revolvers are heavily collected, and this altered Cavalry Model will likely not be an exception. It would also be a good candidate for restoration. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Bud