Colt 1921 Single Action Army 1st-Generation Revolver, .38-40 Win., 5.5" Nickel, Aftermarket Mother-of-Pearl Steer-Head Grips
Built in 1921 during late First-Generation production, this Colt Single Action Army pairs a factory 5.5-inch barrel with the less common .38-40 Winchester chambering—produced in only about 14 % of first-gen guns. The period nickel finish, enlarged 1920-pattern sights, and hand-fitted Hartford craftsmanship give this revolver tangible collector appeal. Aftermarket carved mother-of-pearl grips featuring a steer-head motif add distinctive custom character.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Fair – Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling – Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: The nickel finish shows scattered scratches, blemishes, and mild discoloration. Areas of rust and small patches of pitting are present. Despite exterior wear, the bore remains shiny.
What’s Included
- Colt Single Action Army revolver
- Installed aftermarket carved mother-of-pearl steer-head grips
This revolver sits within the strengthened smokeless-era frame range, identified by a transverse spring cross-pin securing the cylinder pin. The serial number (342 ### range) confirms 1921 manufacture, just before Colt paused production in 1940.
The factory nickel finish was a catalog option in the 1920s, valued for its added corrosion resistance and bright appearance. Even with decades of use, it still offers attractive contrast against the carbon-steel frame, cylinder, and barrel.
Chambered in .38-40 WCF, the gun represents a less often seen variant—appealing to collectors seeking diversity beyond the more common .45 Colt or .44-40 models. Six-shot capacity and the classic single-action mechanism deliver the iconic handling that made the SAA famous.
Period-correct enlarged fixed sights improve front-blade visibility compared with earlier, slimmer patterns, while the spur hammer with integral firing pin remains standard for the era.