Factory Engraved Colt SAA 3rd Generation .38 SPL Special Single Action Army & Custom Shop Box
Sold For: $3,455
LSB#: 140706SR43
Make: Colt
Model: 3rd Generation Single Action Army
Serial Number: S58003A
Year of Manufacture: 1978-1994
Caliber: .38 S&W Special
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading-Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “.38 SPECIAL”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2, 72 JAN. 19, 75” and with the Rampant Colt logo. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with the Verified Proof. The bottom of the frame is marked “S58993A”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT.F.A. MFG. Co. / HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” The front face of the cylinder is marked “501”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “45”. The left side of the trigger guard, under the grip panel is marked “S58003A”. The back strap is marked “S58003A” and “B”. The right grip panel is marked “R”.
Barrel Length: 3 ½”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a nickel plated blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a groove milled into the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece smooth grips are white tusk with a wooden piece glued between the panels to make them fit on the SAA frame. There is no grip screw connecting them making for seamless grip faces. The grips exhibit only the slightest handling marks. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: Without removing the cylinder to examine the bore, based on the overall condition of the pistol we believe the barrel to be bright, rifling sharp and erosion free.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. This pistol shows essentially no evidence of handling. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition, almost like new.
Mechanics: We did not test the action. Based on the condition of the gun, we assume the mechanics are intact and in working order. We did not fire this handgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This Colt comes in the original blue cardboard box with the original white outer box. The white outer box has darkened from contact with other items. All the surfaces show some thinning and there are three patches of surface loss and a piece of tape on the top. There are some compression marks on the back edge, compression on the right front lower corner and minor compression on the other corners. On the right end there is a Colt label which reflects the make , model, and serial number , but claims the barrel length as 4 ¾” rather than the actual 3 ½”. The lid of the blue inner box is embossed with a gold Rampant Colt logo and shows only the slightest handling marks. Inside, the pistol lies between two pieces of foam which show no significant evidence of use. There is an area on the inside of the box which the barrel contacted and has left a mark. Overall, the box is in Excellent condition. The box also contains a NRA membership pamphlet, a Colt Safety and Instruction Manual, a membership application to the Colt Collectors’ Association, a Warning from the Massachusetts Attorney General, a plastic cylinder face protector, the orange octagonal warning tag and a Colt cable lock. The paperwork and lock are in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: This appears to be a 3rd Gen. Colt Model P, SAA, part of a “Custom Edition” which according to “Wilkerson’s “The Post-War Single Action Revolver 1976-1986” “…is a group of identical revolvers assembled under the direction of the Custom Gun Shop at Colt’s and sold through the normal distribution system. The “Model P w/B Coverage Engraving” came in a choice of calibers and barrel lengths, blue or nickel finish (and) features unsigned standard American scroll B engraving coverage.“ This example was bought as an investment and stored in its original box with the original paperwork and as a result is in “like new” condition. The engraved nickel finish contrasting with the white grips are a sight to behold. This Colt SAA would be a highlight to any collection and an excellent investment.
