Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA 4.75” .38 WCF Revolver, 1901 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3026.76
WOA#: WY230912TM001
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation
Serial Number: 213333
Year of Manufacture: 1901 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 WCF (Winchester Center Fire)
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871 / JULY 2.72.JAN.19.75.” with the Colt Rampant. The left side of the barrel is marked “38 W.C.F.”. The bottom of the frame, grip frame, and buttstrap are marked with matching serial numbers “213333”.
Barrel Length: 4.75”
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 polymer panels with the Colt Rampant molded at the tops. The checkering is crisp with little handling wear. There are no chips or cracks, however, there are a couple nicks and compression marks. The right grip has two more prominent scratches. Overall, the grips rate in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Almost all of the blueing is missing.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is worn, but visible. There is light erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 3 out of 10.
Many military and C&R-eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 5% of its metal finish. Most of the pistol has gone to a light to moderate patina. There are some scattered spots of light surface oxidation and minor erosion. There are some light nicks and scratches including clusters around the cylinder pin head and the ejector tab. 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 and legible. Overall, this revolver is in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. The timing is good. The cylinder has solid lockup on all 6 chambers with little play.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
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 and are quite sought after by collectors.
This example is in decent shape for a 120+ year old revolver that has seen its share of use. It retains matching serial numbers on the frame and grip frame and though most of the finish is worn away with age, the mechanics on this revolver are near Excellent and will shine in any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!