Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army 2nd Generation
Serial Number: 23183SA
Year of Manufacture: 1958
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Barrel Length: 7 1/2"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter-round blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth bone. The grip shows minor discoloration from age with a few light marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in about Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Silver
Finish Originality: Refinished at time of engraving, numbers match.
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 about 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 94% of its current metal finish. There is infrequent flaking, most notable on the front face of the frame around the cylinder pin and on the left where the barrel enters the frame. There is a little bubbling in the finish, mostly in the grip straps. The silver plate has a little scattered discoloration. There are some scattered light nicks and small scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. There are tool marks around some screw heads. The markings are generally clear, the engraving has interrupted the verified proof and assembler's mark on the trigger guard. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-plus condition as refinished.
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 requirements
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a French-fit wood presentation case and a letter from the City of Cincinnati. The case has a plate on the lid engraved "Colt Patent Firearms Mfg. Co. / Single Action Army 38 Spl. / March 1959 / Sgt. Joseph L. Cole / Cincinnati Police Department", the interior has two lidded storage compartments and a 15-round cartridge block. A key is included which does activate a latch, the latch does not prevent the case from being opened. The letter details the service of officer Joseph L. Cole.
Our Assessment: Production of Single Action Army revolvers was halted at the outset of World War II to free up machines and manpower for filling wartime orders. After the war, Colt decided not to bring the iconic revolver back into production as it was seen as obsolete. The advent of swing-out cylinder revolvers and reliable semi-automatic pistols, they thought, meant that there was no place in the market for the antiquated single action revolver. Then, with the advent of television and western programs such as Hopalong Cassidy, The Lone Ranger, The Cisco Kid, and The Gene Autry Show, American interest in the guns that won the west was reborn. In 1956, Colt reintroduced the Single Action Army, this new production run now referred to as the 2nd Generation SAAs.
This is a very attractive example which has been custom engraved, silver plated, and equipped with a beautiful grip. The backstrap is inscribed "J. L. Cole” and the presentation case indicates that the customization was done for a retired Cincinnati police officer in 1959. The included letter from the City of Cincinnati indicates that Joseph L. Cole became a Patrolman in 1926, was promoted to Detective in 1942, and served until 1947. While in service, he was assigned to District 6, Safety Patrol, District 2 and Detective Headquarters. It would be interesting to know what Sgt. Cole did in the 12 years between leaving CPD and being presented with this beautiful revolver, but he certainly made an impression on whoever presented it to him. This will make a wonderful addition to a Colt collection, especially for those interested in custom engraved and consigned pieces with some provenance. Please see our photos and good luck!
