Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

Serial Number: 218334

Year of Manufacture: 1901

Caliber: .38-40 WCF

Action Type: Single Action Side Loading-Gate Revolver

Barrel Length: 4 3/4"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch integral to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are factory pearl with a steer heat carving on the right panel. The grips show light handling wear and a little discoloration from age and handling. There is a small chip at the top edge of the right panel, another on the interior top-front corner, not visible when asembled, and a few tiny losses around the edges. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion and infrequent pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6+/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is minor handling wear in the grip areas. There are a couple of nicks at the muzzle and a few other minor marks. The action shows minor operational wear, but there is no turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a Colt Archives letter addressed to Mel Torme which indicates it shipped November 20, 1901 to Simmons Hardware Company in St. Louis, Missouri, c/o J.R. Graves as one of 2 guns of the same type in the shipment. The letter remarks include recorded additional charge of $1.50, but no record of what the additional charge was for.

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 is a gorgeous example that checks all kinds of boxes for collectors. In addition to its stunning condition at nearly 125 years, the revolver is factory engraved with factory steer head carved pearl grips. These factory features are confirmed by the included Colt Archives letter which was made out to none other than Mel Torme. While the Velvet Fog is best known for this singing and music career, he was also a notable and avid Colt collector, certainly the type to appreciate a fine Single Action Army such as this. It is sure to take a prized place in even the most advanced collections. Please see our photos and good luck!