Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation

Serial Number: 271525

Year of Manufacture: 1905

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 quarter-round 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 mammoth ivory with gold-colored Colt medallions. The bottom edge of the right panel has a small, clear fill where the grain was a little rough. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Refinished at time of engraving.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9+ out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its current metal finish. There are some polish marks and infrequent minor erosion under the finish, almost all in areas concealed when assembled. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition as engraved.

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 copy of a David Wade Harris certificate of authenticity.

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! The 1st Generation Single Action Army was produced from 1873 to 1941, though sales did fall off toward the end of the 1st Generation.

In addition to its obvious uses as a firearm, the Single Action Army has also been the canvas for some of the more beautiful engraving of its time. This is one of the 1st Generation, made in 1905. It has since been beautifully engraved and finished by Jacksonville, Texas based master engraver David Wad Harris. The engraving is Harris' traditional "Cattle Brand" style with various brands interspersed with punch-dot fills and old-west style borders. The gun has been equipped with a nice set of mammoth ivory grips and was given a nickel finish at the time of engraving. This is just a gorgeous revolver! Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this will make for an incredible display. Please see our photos and good luck!