Colt Frontier Six Shooter SAA Etched Panel .44-40 WCF Revolver 1881 Antique
SOLD FOR: $4,175.00
WOA#: WY240323WM017
Make: Colt
Model: Frontier Six Shooter
Serial Number: 67488
Year of Manufacture: 1881 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel carries “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” in an etched panel. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”, the bottom-right of the barrel is marked “7488” under the ejector housing. The cylinder is marked “7488” behind one of the flutes. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / ” JULY 2,-72. / ” JAN. 19,-75.”, the left-front trigger guard bow is marked “44.C.F.”. The underside of the frame at the grip frame and the bottom of the trigger guard at the front are marked “67488”. The butt is marked “67 / 488”. The hammer slot is marked “Z”. The rear face of the loading gate has assembly number “1628”. The backstrap inlet of the grip has “7488” hand-written.
Barrel Length: 7 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The front sight has been notched. The rear sight is a “V”-notch in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth walnut. The grip has scattered wear and areas of thinning finish. There are some nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a small but quite deep ding in the left toward the bottom-rear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark gray. The rifling is worn, but visible. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 10% of its metal finish. Most exposed surfaces have worn to white or gone to a light patina. There is some finish remaining in protected areas such as the corners of the trigger guard and the bottom-rear of the ejector housing. There is strong blue on the barrel where it is covered by the ejector housing. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The rear face of the cylinder has a ring of wear between the chambers which lines up with the firing pin. There is some scattered surface erosion and oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The timing is correct and the cylinder locks up with little play on all six chambers. The cylinder has a removable bushing. The trigger is crisp. 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: None.
Our Assessment: The expiration of Smith & Wesson’s patent on the bored-through cylinder in 1869 led Colt to design the revolutionary M-1873 Single Action Army, which soon earned the moniker the “Peacemaker”, “Equalizer”, and “gun that won the West”. Carried by soldiers, cowboys, lawmen and outlaws alike, the Colt SAA quickly became synonymous with the untamed wilds of the American West. Originally introduced in Colt’s .45 caliber, the demand for a revolver compatible with Winchester’s cartridges for their 1873 led to the introduction of the Frontier Six Shooter in ca. 1878, essentially a Colt SAA chambered for the Winchester cartridge. This example is a 1st Generation Frontier Six Shooter produced in 1881. It has the classic 7 1/2″ barrel, black powder frame with the cylinder pin retained by a screw, and etched panel barrel. The etched panel was changed to the more commonly encountered roll-die marking in ca. 1890. This Frontier Six Shooter remains in Very Good condition with fine mechanics for a 143 year old “hog leg”, and will make a great addition to any Colt revolver collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
