Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

Serial Number: 125731

Year of Manufacture: 1888

Caliber: .41 Colt

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 smooth pearl panels. The grips have some discoloration around the edges and scattered minor marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus 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 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning or flaking at most edges. There is finish loss along the ejector housing and in the trigger guard. There is some other scattered more minor flaking. Some areas of finish loss show oxidation or minor erosion. There are scattered light nicks and scratches. 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-plus 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: This revolver comes with a Colt Archives letter which indicates that the revolver was produced as a .41 caliber, 4 3/4" barrel, nickel finish, rubber grips, and shipped to Colt Patent Firearms Mfg. Co. in Hartford, Ct. on March 19, 1888 as one of two guns of the same type in the shipment.

Our Assessment: The Colt SAA revolver and Winchester Model 1873 rifle were two guns that helped tame the Wild West of the United States in the last quarter of the 19th Century. This is a one hundred and thirty-seven-year-old Colt SAA 1st Generation revolver made in 1888 during the Black Powder period. The revolver has a 4 3/4" barrel, replacement pearl grips, factory nickel finish, and is chambered in .41 Long Colt. The .41 Long Colt was originally made for use in the M1877 Thunderer double action revolver. Although less potent than its better-known cousin, the .45 Colt, Elmer Keith in “Sixguns” wrote that it was a better fight stopper than its paper ballistics would indicate.

The revolver is in Very Good-plus condition as Antique, retaining much of its original nickel finish and strong mechanics. All of the Colt 1st Generation revolvers are heavily collected, and we expect this one to be as well with its desirable finish, chambering, and intriguing shipment to Colt itself. Please see our photos and good luck!