Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: S05737A
Year of Manufacture: 1994
Caliber: .44-40 WCF
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .44-40". The top of the barrel is marked "COLT'S PT. FA. MFG Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." The left side of the frame is marked "PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2, 72 JAN. 19, 75", and the Colt logo. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with a "VP" proof mark. The bottom of the frame is marked with the serial number. Under the grips are marked with the serial on the left front and back strap. The last three numbers of the serial "737", are marked on the loading gate. The face of the cylinder is marked "737". The rear of the cylinder is marked with "44-40". The bottom of the front strap is marked with "J. ADAMS". There is custom American-style engraving across approximately 80% of the metal surfaces.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade at the muzzle. The rear sight is a 'U' notch the length of the top strap. Visible when the hammer is cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece, smooth pearlite with a gold colored Colt medallion on each panel. There is minor handling wear on the panels with a few light marks. There are no chips or cracks. 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 and the rifling is sharp. There is minor fouling present, but no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its current metal finish. There is light handling wear and scratches along the barrel and frame, with a few minor nicks. There is slight finish loss on the frame around the cylinder and top strap. There are scattered minor spots of oxidation. The cylinder shows a light turn line, not through the finish. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this revolver is in Fine condition as custom 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: Included is a two-piece blue cardboard Colt box.
Our Assessment: The Colt's Manufacturing Company Single Action Army has remained one of the most iconic revolvers ever produced since its 1873 introduction, closely tied to the American frontier and the evolution of metallic cartridge handguns. By the 1990s, 3rd Generation production continued to honor the original design with traditional lockwork and proportions while benefiting from modern manufacturing. Chambered in .44-40 WCF, one of the earliest and most historically significant centerfire cartridges, this revolver reflects a classic pairing that dates back to the late 19th century, when the cartridge was widely used in both revolvers and lever-action rifles, offering practical ammunition commonality on the frontier.
This 1994 example has been custom engraved by John Adams, a long-time Colt engraver, with approximately 80% coverage in an American-style pattern that gives the revolver strong visual presence. It retains about 97% of its nickel finish, showing light handling wear, scattered scratches, minor nicks, and a faint cylinder turn line consistent with careful use. There is slight finish thinning around the cylinder area and top strap, along with a few minor oxidation spots across the metal surfaces. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and minor fouling, and the action exhibits tight lockup with minimal end shake. The pearlite grips with Colt medallions remain in Excellent condition and complement the engraved and nickel presentation. The revolver includes a blue Colt box, completing a well-presented example of a custom-engraved 3rd Generation Single Action Army. Please see our photos and good luck with your bids!
