Make: Colt
Model: Buffalo Bill Cody Centennial Commemorative Single Action Army
Serial Number: CBBC0987
Year of Manufacture: 1983, ATF C&R
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 square notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut panels with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue and Gold
Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8+/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains 99%+ of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The revolver comes with a french-fit wood presentation case.
Our Assessment: The Colt Single Action Army is perhaps the quintessential old west handgun, produced for more than a century, serving the U.S. Army as its sidearm from 1873 into the first world war and captivating audiences on the silver screen. The advent of television and western programs such as Hopalong Cassidy, The Lone Ranger, The Cisco Kid, and The Gene Autry Show breathed new interest in the guns that won the west, and the Single Action Army was reborn.
What better firearm to commemorate Colonel "Buffalo" Bill Cody and his Wild West show? Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the show, in 1983, Colt honored this inimitable production with a commemorative issue of their Single Action Army revolvers, with only 1,236 made and not all of them shipped. It is a beautiful piece with gold markings and images of Bill Cody and scenes from his Wild West show. Such markings are also featured on the cylinder, which does not have flutes. Unfluted cylinders are not at all common on SAA revolvers, but do provide engravers with more "canvas" for their work.
This example is in Excellent condition, appearing to have spent more time in its included display case than out. This would make a fantastic addition to any Colt collection, especially for fans of Wild West. Please see our photos and good luck!
