Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: 346084
Year of Manufacture: 1923, shipped March 5, 1925.
Caliber: .44 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot Single Action Revolver with Side Gate Loaded Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. / HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.", left is marked "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .44 SPECIAL.". The left side of the frame is marked "PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871. / JULY 2. 72. JAN. 19. 75." and with a Rampant Colt logo. The bottom front of the frame is marked with the serial number "346084", found again on the right of each portion of the grip frame. The rear face of the cylinder is marked "84". The number "639" is marked on the left of each portion of the grip frame, the rear of the loading gate, and under the ejector housing on the barrel. The rear of the frame under the right grip has assembly number "777".
Barrel Length: 4 3/4". The barrel is not original to the gun.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter-round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch integral to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are Tony Kojis two-piece smooth burlwood. The grips have very limited marks from handling or storage. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Also included is a set of two-piece checkered hard rubber Colt grips with non-matching numbers hand-scribed on their interior. The additional grips have even light handling wear with a few scuffs and scratches. The checkering is generally well defined. The left panel appears to have a repair at the bolster on the interior. Overall, the additional grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Professionally Restored. The barrel and cylinder are not original to the gun, the loading gate has also likely been replaced, but they appear to all be original to the restoration.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains 96% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There are some scattered minor nicks and scuffs. There is a turn-line on the cylinder. The case hardening colors on the frame are still vivid. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a laminated miniature copy of a Colt Archives letter and the additional grips described above.
Our Assessment: This revolver's consignor was a personal friend of John Taffin. Consignor states that the gun came from Taffin's personal collection. The Colt Single Action Army remains one of the most iconic handguns ever produced, and this 1925 First Generation example represents the later years of original production before Colt discontinued the model in 1941. By the 1920s, the SAA had transitioned from a frontier sidearm into a refined civilian revolver, favored by outdoorsmen, law enforcement, and target shooters.
This revolver has been customized with a later 4 3/4" barrel and a cylinder chambered for .44 Special. It retains many desirable First Generation characteristics, including its blue and case hardened finish combination, conical firing pin and removable cylinder bushing.The currently installed burlwood grips are gorgeous replacements from Tony Kojis. Mechanically, the revolver remains solid, with a crisp trigger and proper function, and the bore is exceptionally well preserved with bright finish and strong rifling. The light turn line and minor edge wear are consistent with limited, careful use over its lifetime.
As a high-condition custom SAA chambered in the desirable .44 Special, this piece offers a compelling combination of historical significance, strong condition, and classic Colt craftsmanship. It stands as both a tangible link to Colt's golden age of revolver production and a highly collectible example that will continue to be appreciated by enthusiasts for generations. Please see our photos and good luck!
