Make: Colt

Model: Frontier Six Shooter, Single Action Army

Serial Number: 156185

Year of Manufacture: 1894

Caliber: .44-40 Winchester

Action Type: Single Action Revolver

Barrel Length: 4 3/4″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch integral to the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at the top. The inside of each panel has a number scratched out, the left panel has "185" hand-scribed. The grips show moderate handling wear, slightly more notable in the right panel. There are some light nicks and scratches, most notable on the bottom face. There is a tiny loss at the bottom-front corner of the left panel. The checkering shows wear, but is visible, better defined on the left panel. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as Antique and not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is worn, but visible. There is erosion and light pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 4-5/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 60% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning or flaking at all edges. There is finish loss on and around the cylinder, in the grip areas, and along the ejector housing. There is some other scattered more minor flaking and wear. Areas of finish loss show oxidation or minor erosion. There are scattered nicks and scratches. The head of the the cylinder pin has moderate-heavy tool marks. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition as Antique.

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

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). Produced for nearly a century and a half, they are still being made, today! This example is a 1st Generation Frontier Six Shooter made in 1894. The Frontier Six Shooter was the designation for SAA revolvers chambered for Winchester's .44-40 cartridge, making it popular for those who owned Winchester rifles chambered for the same caliber.

This example shows its age at more than 130 years old, but retains the majority of its original nickel finish and good mechanics. The grips have been replaced, but are of the appropriate style. This will make a neat addition to a Colt or early American cartridge handgun collection, especially with its desirable nickel finish. Please see our photos and good luck!