Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: 108846
Year of Manufacture: 1884
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single-Action Side Loading Gate Revolver
Barrel Length: 4 3/4"
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock/ Grip Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth ivory (actually two panels adhered to a center wood piece). The grip shows even light handling wear and discoloration with some light nicks and scratches. There are small losses at the bottom-front corners and some grain-line cracks. The material is generally shy to the frame. Overall, the grip is in about Very Good condition as Antique and not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Nickel, Case Color Hammer
Finish Originality: Original to the parts. Numbered parts match, the cylinder pin and hammer are replacements.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling shows wear, but is generally well defined. There is scattered erosion and light pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 10% of its metal finish. Finish remains only in protected areas and around raised features. There is some strong finish on the ejector tab, the barrel under the ejector housing and the grip straps under the grips. Most surfaces have gone to a fairly uniform patina with scattered minor surface erosion. There are some scattered nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from tool marked with strong slots to disfigured with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn, BUt legible. Overall, the pistol is in about Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: Included is a Colt Archives letter indicating that this revolver was produced as a .45 Caliber, 4 3/4" barrel, nickel finish and shipped April 1, 1884 to Simmons Hardware Co. in St. Louis, MO as one of twenty 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 and still does, today! This example is a 1st Generation made in 1884. Chambered for .45 Colt with a 4 3/4" barrel, it would have been a very handy and potent sidearm in its day. The included Colt Archives letter confirms original nickel finish, though a couple of parts have been replaced. The revolver shows wear consistent with its age and has been fitted with a replacement grip which completes its Antique aesthetic. Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this 19th Century example should be no exception. Please see our photos and good luck!
