Colt Single Action Army SAA .45 Revolver, 1887 Antique, No Grip Frame
SOLD FOR: $3,255
WOA#: WY240120EC015
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: 119420
Year of Manufacture: 1887
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871. / JULY. 2. 72 / JAN.19-75” and with “U.S”. The bottom of the frame is marked “119420”, D.F.C.”, “4 98”. The rear of the loading gate has assembly number “498”. The bottom-right of the barrel, under the ejector rod housing, is marked “19420”, “D.F.C.” at the rear, and above the cylinder pin head is “P”. The outside of the cylinder is marked “P”, “D.F.C.” and “19420”. The hammer slot is marked “G”.
Barrel Length: 7.5”
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: This is a frame and barrel assembly only. There is no grip frame or grips included with this listing.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original with mixed parts
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with sharp rifling where not interrupted. There is some erosion at the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10 for antique.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but also to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collector’s firearms.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 30% of its metal finish. Remaining finish is scattered and mottled with wear and light erosion. Worn areas have generally gone to a light patina. There are scattered nicks, scuffs, scrapes, and scratches. The action shows operational wear including a thick turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with a usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible in most places. Overall, the parts present rate in about Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: This revolver does not come with its grip frame or trigger. The parts present show no notable defects and should be fully serviceable.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This Colt Single Action Army, though missing its lower half, will make for excellent components for one you may already have or for a new build you might be interested in uptaking. The bore is strong with some light general erosion (as expected) and the mechanics for what is here are all sound. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
