Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

Serial Number: 45624SA

Year of Manufacture: 1967

Caliber: Approximately .45 Colt

Action Type: Single Action, Side Loading-Gate Revolver

Barrel Length: 5 1/2"

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

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth ivory panels. The included letter notes that the revolver was equipped from the factory with ivory grips but the interior is marked Ajax, possibly replaced. The grips have no notable wear, but do show some discoloration from age. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine conditon.

Also included is a set of faux-pearl plastic grips with silver-colored Colt medallions. These grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: The revolver retains about 96% of its metal finish. The action shows minor operational wear including a thin turn-line on the cylinder. Nearly all of the gold leaf has worn out of the inscription on the backstrap. Otherwise, there are only a few minor marks. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-plus condition.

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

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: Included is a Colt presentation case, the additional grips described above, his sterling silver Zippo lighter with US Air Force Master Pilot wings, Major General stars, and "W.G.J" engraving, and a Colt Archives letter. The letter indicates that this revolver shipped December 22, 1967 in its current configuration to Major General Walter G. Johnson, Adjutant General, Mississippi National Guard in Jackson, MS as one of two guns of the same type in the shipment.

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, captivated audiences on the silver screen and television and still does, today! The SAA was discontinued by Colt as it tooled up to provide for the WWII war effort, and it was thought by Colt that the design was obsolete, swing-out cylinder revolvers had been around for half a century and autoloaders were gaining in popularity. 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 example is a particularly special specimen, factory inscribed and shipped to Major General Walter G. Johnson, Adjutant General of Mississippi. The included Colt Archives letter notes that it was one of a pair of consecutive numbered revolvers, but unfortunately only the one is present. In addition to the revolver and its handsome Colt presentation case, a personalized Zippo lighter is included with the General's initials, stars, and Army Aviator wings, as General Johnson had been an Army pilot during WWII. As Adjutant General, Johnson was responsible for the expansion of Camp Shelby including the establishment of Greer Chapel. This is a wonderful, documented piece of history that will make a great addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!