Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation

Serial Number: 257508

Year of Manufacture: 1904

Caliber: .38-40 WCF

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder

Barrel Length: 4 3/4"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel; it has been filed-down some. The rear sight is a "V"-notch at the rear of a groove in the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel. The grips have light handling wear with some scattered small nicks and scratches. The checkering is well defined, there is good detail in the rampant colts. Originally black, the grips have gone to a slightly brown color. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original, serial-marked parts are matching.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 6 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 15% of its metal finish. Finish remains only in protected areas or around raised features. Most surfaces have gone to a fairly uniform patina with scattered light surface oxidation and erosion. There are scattered small nicks and light scratches. The action shows operational wear. There are tool marks around some screw heads and on the head of the cylinder pin. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition.

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 vintage belt and holster rig. The holster's strap has broken, allowing the body to move free from the backing. The rig otherwise shows normal wear consistent with its age.

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 Single Action Army made in 1904. The revolver is chambered for the .38-40 Winchester cartridge with a 4 3/4" barrel. It is in about Good condition, showing honest wear consistent with its age. Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this early 20th Century example with a vintage leather rig should be no exception. Please see our photos and good luck!