Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation

Serial Number: 239838

Year of Manufacture: 1903

Caliber: .45 Colt

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. 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 pearl panels. The grips show even handling wear and some discoloration from age. There are some small nicks and scratches. There are a few chips around the edges. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Nickel

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

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5+ out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 25% of its metal finish. Strongest finish is in the rear of the ejector housing, left-rear of the barrel, topstrap, and protected areas of the frame. Most other surfaces have gone to a patina. There is some scattered surface erosion with a more notable pit at the muzzle on the bottom-left. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in 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 Colt Archives letter which indicates it shipped September 30, 1903 to Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Company in Chicago, Illinois as one of two guns of the same type in the shipment.

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 nearly a century and a half, they are still being made, today! This example is a 1st Generation made in 1903. Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this early 20th Century example with original nickel finish should be no exception. Please see our photos and good luck!