Restored Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army 4.75” .45 LC Revolver 1882 Antique
SOLD FOR: $3,238.99
LSB#: LSB251208RC023
Make: Colt
Model: 79514
Year of Manufacture: 1882 / Antique
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: 6-Shot Single Action Revolver with Side Gate Loaded Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked with a faint 2-line barrel address: “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co./ HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The left side of the barrel is marked “.45 COLT.”. The left side of the frame patent dates have been slightly buffed out but still legible: “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871. / JULY 2. 72. JAN. 19. 75.”. The Rampant Colt logo on the frame has been buffed away. The bottom front of the frame, trigger guard and backstrap are marked with the serial number “79514”, some of which have been re-stamped. The side of the cylinder has been re-stamped with the last 4-digits of the serial number “9514”. 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 replacement two-piece ivory grips. The grips have a strong gloss finish and nice character and have a few minor age cracks on the bottoms (non-destabilizing). Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition as not original to the gun. The frame is a black powder frame but the Bullseye ejector head has been replaced with a modern ejector head.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Hardened
Finish Originality: Refinished/Restored
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is minor fouling in the bore. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This Single Action Army has been professionally restored. The frame and hammer have been re-case hardened and the barrel, trigger guard and back strap have been reblued. Several of the serial number markings have been re-stamped. The cylinder is a modern replacement (with a Rampant Colt stamped on the rear face) that has been re-stamped with the last 4 digits of the serial number on the side. The hammer appears to be an early style civilian hammer with a conical firing pin. The bullseye ejector head has been replaced with a modern version. This revolver is in Excellent condition as restored.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder locks with light play on each chamber. 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: Introduced in 1873, the Colt Single Action Army quickly became one of the most influential and enduring revolver designs in American history. Adopted by the U.S. Army as the Model of 1873, it earned early distinction in military service during the Indian Wars and soon found widespread civilian use across the expanding American frontier. Its solid frame, side loading gate, and robust lockwork made it well suited to black powder cartridges such as the .45 Colt. First Generation production ran from 1873 until 1941, encompassing the black powder frame era of the 1870s and 1880s through later smokeless powder improvements, and establishing the revolver’s legendary association with lawmen, outlaws, ranchers, and settlers of the Old West.
This example was manufactured in 1882 during the black powder production period and features the desirable 4 3/4 inch barrel configuration. The revolver has been professionally restored, with the frame and hammer re-case hardened and the barrel, trigger guard, and backstrap reblued. Several serial numbers have been re-stamped, and the cylinder is a modern replacement that has been re-stamped with the last four digits of the serial number. The Rampant Colt on the frame has been buffed away and the patent dates are slightly softened but remain legible. It is fitted with replacement two-piece ivory grips showing attractive character and minor age cracks at the bottoms that are not destabilizing, rating in Excellent condition as replacements. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and minor fouling, rating 9 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion.
Mechanically, the action functions correctly with a crisp trigger and light play in lockup on each chamber. The hammer appears to be an early-style civilian with conical firing pin, and the bullseye ejector head has been replaced with a modern version. As restored, this 1882 production Single Action Army offers the visual appeal and historic aura of an early frontier era Colt while reflecting careful refinishing and component updates over its long service life. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
BF/MA