Colt Model 1873 S.A.A. 1st Gen. Smokeless + .45 ACP Cyl & 2nd Barrel, Lettered Nickel 4 3/4″ 6-Shot, Single Action Revolver, MFD 1924 C&R

Sold For: $2,660.00

LSB#: 170119JN03

Make: Colt’s PT. F.A. MFG. Co.

Model: Single Action Army Revolver, Model 1873 Peacemaker, 1st Generation

Serial Number: 345457

Year of Manufacture: 1924

Caliber: .45 Colt + .45 ACP Cylinder

Action Type: 6-Shot, Single Action Revolver with Side Loading-Gate Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871. / JULY. 2. 72. JAN. 19. 75.“ next to a Rampant Colt, the underside has the serial number. The rear of the loading gate is marked “169”, which is found again on the rear right of the frame. The left side of the trigger guard bow is marked “3” next to a Verified Proof in triangle. The grip panels have the Rampant Colt logo in oval. The hammer cut is marked “0”. The left of the barrels are marked “45 COLT”, the top are marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”

Barrel Length: 4 3/4” & 7 1/2″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter-round blade, fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a V notch sitting before a “U” groove milled into the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a set of non-serialized two piece hard rubber stocks with the Rampant Colt logo in oval. The inside of the left panel has “44” in oval twice along with hashing marks; the exterior is heavily worn compared to the right panel. The inside of the right panel has multiple scrape marks and a repaired crack through the center of the panel, it has been glued back with hardened epoxy; the outside has scrape and compression marks. The grips rate in about Fair to Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: We believe the finish to be original, the included factory letter indicates nickel as the original finish for this serial number.

Bore Condition: The bore is shifting to medium gray, the rifling is still highly defined with sharp lands. There are spots of mild pitting present.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The barrel and loading gate have dark spots of pitting. We do not believe the revolver was ever refinished, these areas may have been chipped off by holster and handling use, exposing bare metal that was eaten over time. The areas are no extremely deep, the other surfaces have scattered scrapes and handling marks, most of the surfaces have thin wispy scuffing. In all, the metal to metal fit is solid. The screws have highly serviceable slots, some have mild tooling. The butt of the grip frame is missing its screw. There are screwdriver marks around some of the screw holes. Overall, this handguns rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions as designed and the cylinder produces light side to side movement with no measurable back play in full lockup of all 6 chambers. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a 2011 dated Colt factory letter giving a shipment date on October 1, 1924 to Simmons Hardware Company, in St. Louis, Missouri. The document indicates the correct caliber, serial number, finish and barrel length. Also included is a .45 ACP cylinder and 7 1/2″ barrel, both are nickel plated. The rear of the cylinder is marked “T”. The left of the barrel is marked “45 COLT”, the top is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” Its bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion. The cylinder has burn marks on the front face from normal use, the exterior has a shallow drag line, there are a few light marks on both items but in all, they rate in about Excellent condition.

Our Assessment: From http://www.deviantart.com/morelikethis/322444596/digitalart/drawings/technical?view_mode=2#skins: “The Colt Single Action Army handgun is a single action revolver with a revolving cylinder holding six rounds. It was designed for the US government service revolver trials of 1873 by Colt’s Manufacturing Company and adopted as the standard military service revolver until 1892. Although the SAA has been offered in over 30 different calibers and various barrel lengths, its overall appearance has remained consistent since 1873. Colt has discontinued its production twice, but brought it back due to excessive demand.” This pistol survives well for being made in 1924. It was sold in Missouri in a hardware store, and must have been quite a sight to behold. This pistol is in about Fine condition with 87% of its nickel finish remaining. The included factory letter is a nice slice of history to go along with this classic wheel gun, the extra 7 1/2″ barrel and .45 ACP cylinder make it a collector’s dream.

Colt Model 1873 S.A.A. 1st Gen. Smokeless + .45 ACP Cyl & 2nd Barrel, Lettered Nickel 4 3/4" 6-Shot, Single Action Revolver, MFD 1924 C&R
Colt Model 1873 S.A.A. 1st Gen. Smokeless + .45 ACP Cyl & 2nd Barrel, Lettered Nickel 4 3/4″ 6-Shot, Single Action Revolver, MFD 1924 C&R