Make: Colt

Model: Custom Single Action Army, 1st Generation

Serial Number: 174044

Year of Manufacture: The frame was made in 1897, the revolver was most likely altered in the 1950s when conversion to .38 Special became possible and popular.

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder

Barrel Length: 5 1/2"

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 grip is a one-piece smooth bone (actually two panels adhered to a center piece). The grips have some shaping wear around the edges, open grain-lines, and discoloration from age and handling. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Refinished. The barrel, cylinder, cylinder pin and likely other small parts are not original to the serial-matching frame, trigger guard and backstrap. The trigger guard and backstrap have "924" marked under the grip and the left of the trigger guard has Colt's Verified Proof, possibly indicating return to the factory in 1924.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is a little faint erosion and minor fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 96% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at some leading edges. The cylinder has light turn-wear. There are some minor nicks, scuffs, and tiny scratches. There are a few nicks under the finish on the butt. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine condition as customized.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The replacement cylinder pin is two-position, when seated fully it prevents the firing pin from coming through the frame. 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: None.

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).

This example has been custom-built on a frame made in 1897.Domeone updated the revolver with a .38 Special barrel and cylinder, likely in the 1950s-1960s when such upgrades were popular. The revolver has been beautifully refinished with strong, vibrant case color on the frame and hammer. It has been equipped with a set of bone grips which gives it a distinctive appearance. The result is a revolver which is gorgeous and functional. The installed cylinder pin is two-position, serving as a safety when seated fully. This should make for a fun shooter, but will also display well in any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!