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LOT 3162
Exceptionally Fine Documented 1875 Production Antique Colt Single Action Army
Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 21230, 45 Long Colt cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl.,
blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. The Colt Single Action Army was one of the most
popular handguns in late 19th century. It has become a true piece of Americana as it is
easily the most iconic and most thoroughly associated with the American West. Offered
here is a fine, early example of the legendary Peacemaker in .45 LC. In the words of Colt
author and expert David Brown, “[T]he Colt Single Action Army .45 was ‘the soldier’s friend’
throughout the remaining years of the Indian Wars in the West. Adopted also with equal
enthusiasm by civilians, it was the pet and the ‘good right arm’ of lawman and outlaw alike
on every American frontier of its era” (“The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army,” page
70). The factory letter states the revolver was shipped to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham of
New York City on December 31, 1875, in .45 caliber and with blue finish. The barrel length
and type of stocks were not listed. However remarks at the bottom of the letter state
“However, this is usually an indication of a 7 1/2” barrel length and a walnut stock as these
are considered standard issue for that time”. The shipment was for 67 guns. The revolver
remains in high condition, especially for an 1875 production example, in fact at the time
this gun was delivered to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham in December of 1875 it was only 1 of
approximately 11,000 civilian SAA in circulation. The barrel has the one-line italic Hartford
address. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking. The left side of
the trigger guard is marked “45 CAL.” Matching full or partial serial numbers appear on the
frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, and barrel.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. The barrel and ejector rod housing retain 85% plus bright
original polished blue finish with holster type wear. The cylinder retains 60% original blue
finish with high edge wear and thinning to brown on the balance. The grip straps retain
40% plus original blue finish with smooth bray patina on the balance. 70% original case
colors remain on the hammer. 40% original case colors remain on the frame. The grip is
fine with high edge wear, some minor handling marks, and most of the original varnish
remaining. Mechanically excellent. A highly attractive and desirable 1875 production black
powder Colt SAA.
Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection.
Estimate: 27,500 - 42,500