Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: 152748
Year of Manufacture: 1893
Caliber: .41 Long Colt
Action Type: Single Action Side Loading Gate Revolver
Barrel Length: 4 3/4"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tapered blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a "V" notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at their tops. The inside of each panel has "2743" hand-scribed. Originally black, the grips have gone to a brownish color. The grips show even light-moderate handling wear with some scattered small nicks and scratches. The checkering is generally well defined with good detail in the rampant colts. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray, the rifling is generally well defined. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 4/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 15% of its metal finish. Strongest remaining finish is on the top and bottom of the barrel and ejector housing. Most other surfaces are worn to white. There is evenly scattered light surface oxidation with some light erosion. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are tool marks on and around the head of the cylinder pin as well as around some screw holes. The screw heads range from sharp to slightly disfigured with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as Antique.
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 standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a Colt Archives letter indicating that this revolver shipped in its current configuration to Colt's San Francisco Agency July 29, 1893 in a shipment of 10 guns of the same type.
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 more than a century and a half, they are still being made, today!
This example is a 1st Generation Single Action Army made in 1893. It is in Very Good condition as Antique, showing honest wear consistent with its age. The revolver retains serial-matching parts, though the grips have been replaced. It is chambered for the desirable .41 Long Colt cartridge with a handy 4 3/4" barrel. The included letter confirms its original configuration and that it shipped to Colt's San Francisco Agency. Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this late 19th Century example should be no exception. Please see our photos and good luck!
