Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

Serial Number: 325057

Year of Manufacture: 1912

Caliber: .38-40 Winchester

Action Type: Single Action Side Loading-Gate Revolver

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 integral to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth pearl panels with silver-colored Colt medallions. The grips have a few scattered light marks and infrequent minor discoloration. There is a small surface loss at the bottom-rear corner of the right panel. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Refinished with matching numbered parts. Major components are all marked with "616N" or "N616" which likely indicates a factory refinish.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore, a little stubborn fouling, and one spot of more notable erosion near the muzzle. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its current metal finish. There is some edge-wear and minor oxidation. The most notable exposed oxidation is on the top of the ejector housing with some more notable oxidation under the grip panels. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and small scratches. The action shows operational wear including turn wear on the cylinder. The screwheads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be needed to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a Colt Archives letter which indicates it was made as a .38/40 with 4 3/4" barrel, blued finish, grips not listed and shipped to Stauffer Eshleman & Company in New Orleans, LA on December 17, 1912 as one of 20 guns of the same type in the shipment.

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. Produced for nearly a century and a half, they are still being made, today! This example is a 1st Generation Single Action Army made in 1912. The revolver retains a good bore, strong mechanics, and the great majority of its new nickel finish. Assembly numbers on the major components along with "N" likely indicate that the revolver was returned to Colt to have its new finish applied, having originally left Colt blued. It is likely that this was also when it was fit with its current Colt pearl grip panels. Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this early 20th Century example shipped to New Orleans should be no exception. At 110+ years old, it is still in great mechanical shape and is a nice example of a Single Action Army. Please see our photos and good luck!