Colt US 1873 Cavalry Model Single Action Army SAA .45 Revolver 1880 Antique
SOLD FOR: $9051
LSB#: 230603HC003
Make: Colt
Model: 1873 Cavalry Model Single Action Army
Serial Number: 61757
Year of Manufacture: 1880 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 Colt, Blackpowder
Action Type: 6-Shot Single Action Revolver with Side Gate Loaded Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U. S. A.”, the underside is marked “D.F.C.” and “P” in front of the cylinder pin head, and under the ejector housing is “1757” at the rear, behind the mounting lug for the ejector is a small “G”. The outside of the cylinder is marked “1757”, “D.F.C.” and “P”, the rear face is marked “0” and “B”. The bottom of the frame at the front, the bottom of the trigger guard at the front and the butt are each marked “61757”. The hammer slot is marked “H”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871. / ” JULY. 2. -72. / ” JAN. 19. -75.” and “U.S.”. The rear face of the loading gate has “1618” assembly number. The left of the grip is marked “1880” over a “DAL” cartouche (David A. Lyle), the right has a “DFC” cartouche (David F. Clark).
Barrel Length: 7 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth walnut (really two panels adhered to an internal center piece). The center piece shows signs of refinish or repair and the surfaces have been refinished. The DAL cartouche has a correct year, but this pistol is just a little late for Mr. Lyle, being in the serial range for revolvers inspected by Charles C. Morrison. The grip shows little in the way of wear or damage, though the cartouches are shallow. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in Fine-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: The markings are in quite good condition, however while there are some well protected areas of the frame which still show case color, some areas of the frame appear blued. We suspect that some remaining finish is Original while areas have been treated with cold blue
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8 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 15% of its metal finish. There is some finish remaining in protected areas. There is strong finish on the barrel where it is covered by the ejector housing. There is just a little bit of case color in well protected areas of the frame and hammer. Most surfaces are mottled with areas worn to white, going to a light patina, or having some trace blue finish. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with more notable marks on the barrel at the front of the ejector housing. There are tool marks around most screw heads. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings in the metal are clear. The markings in the wood are worn and incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The hammer can be dropped from the safety notch by depressing the trigger. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder locks with minor play on each chamber. The cylinder bushing is a separate part, but it is seized in the cylinder. We were not able to remove the bushing. We have not fired 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 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). This U.S. Cavalry model is from 1880, during a period when the revolvers were inspected by David F. Clark.
This example was made in 1880 during the period when these revolvers were inspected under the supervision of David F. Clark. The gun shows honest wear consistent with its age and service, appearing to have seen some cleaning and likely treatment with cold blue. It does retain a more than decent bore given its age, as well as strong mechanics. This Clark inspected Cavalry model will be a great addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
