Custom Engraved Colt Single Action Army SAA 4 3/4″ .45 Revolver, 1928 C&R

SOLD FOR: $7,625.00

WOA#: WY240415EH045

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation

Serial Number: 351556

Year of Manufacture: 1928 (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 side 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 bottom of the frame and the right side of each portion of the grip frame are marked “351556”. The rear of the loading gate and the right-rear of the frame under the grip each have assembly number “1003”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle, “B” and “3”. The hammer slot is marked “J”. The revolver has been extensively engraved with foliate scroll and has gold bands at the muzzle and rear of the cylinder.

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 grip is one-piece smooth bone (really two-pieces adhered to a center wood piece). The grip has a small repaired chip at the bottom-rear corner on the right. The material has discolored slightly from age and handling. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. Overall, the grip is in Very Good-Fine condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color, Gold & Fire-Blue Trim

Finish Originality: Refinished at time of engraving.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its current metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the rampant colt on the frame is a little shallow toward the bottom-rear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition as custom engraved.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces almost no 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! The 1st Generation Single Action Army was produced from 1873 to 1941, though sales did fall off toward the end of the 1st Generation. While more than 344,000 of the revolvers were made from 1873 to 1922, in the last 18 years of production there were only about 13,000 made.

In addition to its obvious uses as a firearm, the Single Action Army has also been the canvas for some of the more beautiful engraving of its time. This is one of the later 1st Generation, made in 1928 just before the Great Depression. It has since been beautifully engraved and finished, equipped with an attractive grip, and is just a gorgeous revolver. We only wish the engraver had signed their work! Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this will make for an incredible display. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud

Custom Engraved Colt Single Action Army SAA 4 3/4" .45 Revolver, 1928 C&R
Custom Engraved Colt Single Action Army SAA 4 3/4″ .45 Revolver, 1928 C&R