Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation

Serial Number: 227911

Year of Manufacture: 1902

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 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 checkered black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel. The inside of each panel has "7911" hand-scribed. The left panel has notable dings on the bottom with what appears to be "J HAWES" scribed and scratched-out on the bottom face. The grips otherwise show even light handling wear with a few scattered light marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. The rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There are some scattered spots of light erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6+/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 50% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is fairly evenly scattered finish wear with more notable handling wear in the frontstrap. The frame has good color on the right side with more muting and light oxidation on the left. Some worn areas are going to a light patina. There are nicks on the front sight. There are some other scattered more minor marks. The action shows operational wear including turn-wear on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Good-plus condition.

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 Colt Archives letter which indicates it shipped June 11, 1902 to L. Zekendorf & Co. in Tucson, AZ as one of three 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, and captivated audiences on the silver screen and television. Produced for nearly a century and a half, they are still being made, today! This example is a 1st Generation Single Action Army made in 1902. It is in Good-plus condition, retaining about 50% of its original finish with a decent bore and strong mechanics. Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this early 20th Century example shipped to Tucson should be no exception. At 120+ years old, it is still in great mechanical shape and is a nice example of a Single Action Army. Please see our photos and good luck!