SAA Artillery where do I start

[DMike]

I purchased this from a friend last week. She believes it has been in the family for at least two generations and it was a Great Uncles service weapon, She thinks WWI ?? It looks like this Colt might be all there, where do I start to prove it? Does anything look really wrong in the pictures?

[Trapdoor]

Welcome to the forum. Interesting revolver! I like the three digit s/n on the frame. Are there any other numbers or letters like the P on the barrel?

[84cadillac]

For details you can look here Subtle changes in the Colt Single Action Army, a photo essay
Look for inspector's initials on individual parts. Mine was modified (I believe) between 1900-1903. The initials RAC are on the barrel (Under the eject housing), on the cylinder, and on the grips. I believe those parts were replaced when it was arsenal rebuilt. If your barrel and/or cylinder have serial numbers, they probably weren't new ones when the gun was rebuilt.
You have one of the most faked Colts there is.

[DMike]

The Colt roll mark on the barrel is just about gone. there is a DFC P on the bottom of the barrel. there is a C in the hammer slot, 4491 on the cylinder with a P, there is a very small A under the 3438 on the trigger guard there is a light number on the bottom of the grip it might be 7900 there is a small J visible on the cylinder with the gate open.

[coltsixguns]

Nice early numbers!

[Trapdoor]

When you have the time post some more closeup pictures of all the details.

[DMike]

Here are a few more, there is no visible number on the barrel.

[DMike]

This also came with it, maybe this will help date it.

[coltsixguns]

The last few digits of the serial number will be under the ejector housing but you can see the DFC and the P in the area of the cylinder pin so that gives everyone an idea of the vintage of the barrel. How early is the backstrap?

[DMike]

The back strap number is worn, it is a 4 digit number starting with a 4 or 7.