Colt Single Action U.S. Artillery Model 1st Generation Black Powder Frame 45 Colt 5.5in
Description:
The Colt Single Action Army, or "SAA" revolver is doubtless the classic sixgun most associated in our folklore with the American West. Introduced in 1873, the basic design remained with a few interruptions in production and is manufactured today by Colt and other firms.
U.S. military-purchased SAAs are among the most eagerly sought-after historic sidearms of the era, having been used from the Indian Wars into the early 20th Century by the U.S. Army. They were originally issued with 7 1/2" Barrels in .45 Colt.
Between 1895 and 1903, the government had nearly 17,000 of its SAAS reconditioned and rebuilt by the Springfield Armory and the Colt factory. Most of these guns had the barrels shortened to 5 1/2". Since most guns were reassembled without concern for part numbers, this is one of the few collectible gun variations that is considered "correct" with mixed serial numbers, meaning that the various parts of the gun will usually not match each other. These refurbished revolvers were issued to troops in the Spanish-American War and Philippine Insurrection, and have been nicknamed "Artillery Models" by collectors since a few of them were issued to Artillery units. The original long-barrel variations are distinguished by the "Cavalry Model" nickname and should generally have matching serial numbers. Both types will have the "U.S." stamped on the frame, along with the inspector's initials on various parts.
Make: Colt
Model: 1874 Single Action Army Artillery Model, 1st Generation, Black Powder Frame
Serial Number: 10088
Year of Manufacture: 1874 (://colt/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the frame is marked "PAT. SEPT 19. 1871. /" PAT. JULY 2. 1872. " and with "U.S". The top of the barrel is marked "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.". The underside of the frame at the trigger guard is marked "10088" and the bottom of the trigger guard is marked "139109/K". The bottom of the backstrap is marked with "3136". The rear of the loading gate is marked with an assembly number "508". The outside of the cylinder has markings. One appears to be a partial serial marking and the other an inspector's initials marking. The rear face of the cylinder is marked "K". The hammer slot is marked "C". The bottom of the barrel is marked "P" and "RAC", facing different directions. The bottom of the grip is marked "RAC" on the left side of the back strap.
Barrel Length: The barrel is 51⁄2".
Sights / Optics: This revolver is mounted with a "V" notch in the top strap for rear sight and a quarter-round blade front sight fixed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece walnut. The bottom has a "RAC" cartouche on the left side of the back strap. There are some light handling marks but no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as seen in the pictures.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: The finish appears original. It most likely went through factory refurbishment. This refurbishment frequently involved installation of non-serial matching parts and this is likely the reason for the non-matching parts on this revolver. We don't see any signs that the revolver has been refinished since this refurbishment.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with well-defined rifling. The condition is rated excellent.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 30+% of its current metal finish. The most remaining finish is in protected areas such as around and under the ejector housing, at the rear of the barrel where it enters the frame, the corners formed by the trigger guard where it widens to meet the frame, the rear face of the cylinder and at the top of the backstrap behind the base of the hammer. The frame shows scattered remaining case color, also mostly in protected areas such as the face of the recoil shield, the loading groove, and the pinched area at the front under the cylinder pin. Most of the exposed areas which were blued have gone to a moderate patina with some grip areas worn to white. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs, and scratches with infrequent spots of minor surface erosion. The cylinder has a turn-line. The rear face of the cylinder has a ring of wear between the chambers at the location of the firing pin, but the firing pin is intact. The grip screws range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. The revolver is in Good condition as Antique (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: Lockup is tight with no slipping. The trigger is crisp. Overall we rate mechanics as excellent. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This firearm does not include a box, paperwork, or any accessories.
Price: $6500