Colt Single Action Army First Generation Black Powder Frame .38 Colt Revolver 4.75 in (1896)
This Colt Single Action Army is a First Generation Model P with the early Black Powder Frame configuration that uses a screw-retained base pin. It is chambered in .38 Colt with a barrel marked "38 COLT." and features Colt’s classic fixed SAA-style sights, a 6-shot fluted cylinder, and a side loading gate. Markings include a partially legible Colt Hartford address line on the top of the barrel, the 3-date patent marking on the left side of the frame, and the "rampant colt" emblem on the left side of the frame.
CONDITION
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This firearm is in solid functional shape. There are scratches and blemishes present. The bore is clean and shiny. The action is smooth and the lockup is tight.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Zipper case
Built in 1896, this antique Single Action Army comes from Colt’s First Generation production and represents the classic late 19th century SAA pattern. The revolver uses the screw-retained base pin at the front of the frame, identifying it as the Black Powder Frame style.
It is configured with a 4.75 in barrel (user-stated) and fixed sights, including a small blade front sight on the barrel and a notch/groove rear sight in the topstrap. The right-side ejector rod assembly includes a checkered/knurled ejector-rod head.
Markings are consistent with the Colt Hartford address line on the barrel and include the 3-date patent marking "PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871 / JULY 2, 72. JAN.
19, 75" on the left frame, along with the Colt "rampant colt" emblem. The revolver also features two-piece black checkered grip panels with the molded/relief Colt horse-in-oval motif and a single grip screw.
This example is a 6-shot revolver in .38 Colt with a fluted cylinder and side loading gate. The serial number 163249 is present in multiple locations including the underside of the grip frame/backstrap, and the serial range is noted as just below the approximate 164,100 transition to the spring-loaded base pin latch.