[buckstix]

I recommend that you get a letter from Colt to find something about your 1983 Colt SAA revolver. This will show when it was manufactured, the configuration when it left the factory (barrel length, finish, type of stocks, etc.), as well as the name of the place it was shipped. In most cases, the identity of the entity where the Cot was shipped will be a retail store or wholesaler; however, in some instances it may show the name and address of an individual. I suspect that this will be about all the information you'll be able to learn about a Colt SAA revolver made in 1983. I hope this helps.

Rusty Edwards

Hello Rusty,

Keith Cochran added 2 of the Colts in my collection to his book and they are already on your list. #4238 - a Rough Rider gun - #47614 - a New York Militia gun. (also in Kopec's book)

Not sure if this one qualifies, but here it is: #10280 - Colt Letter - Factory Refurbish - United States Government Commanding Officer Springfield Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts, April 17, 1903 (200)

 

[buckstix]

Hello Rusty,

Here is another U.S. Artillery model from the same shipment to Sprinfield Armory.

#10344 Ainsworth - converted to 22 rimfire by Robert F. Enewold ( famous gunsmith / U.S. Military Survival Consultant ) [see Cochran Encyclopedia]
Sent to Colt Factory for engraving 1930s - Engraving attributed to Wilbur Glahn.

Gun was built and customized for Sheriff "Fay A. Brown" (inscribed) - Sheriff, Reno Kansas

 

[buckstix]

Hello Rusty,

Here is another U.S. Artillery model - #33978 - Colt Factory Letter - United States Government, US Gov. Inspector, Colt Plant, Feb.13, 1877 (9th ext of 1st contract, 2003 guns) (LD Lewis Draper)

"B12" Militia Marked

Kopec Letter - Springfield Armory Refurbished 1898 (5-1/2" bbl cut)

 

[buckstix]

I updated my serial number list on 1/6/2019. BE SURE TO REFRESH YOUR BROWSER TO GET THE LATEST EDITION.

http://www.swshana.com/gun_website/Colt_SAA_SNs.pdf

PLEASE NOTE: I will only add the serial numbers of 1st Generation Colt SAA revolvers owned by lawmen, outlaws, gunfighters, cowboys, soldiers, military units, famous mining companies, and other noteworthy people or organizations. Just because a Colt SAA was shipped to a particular retailer (like a hardware store) won't get it added to my list.

Rusty Edwards

Hello Rusty Edwards,

Just to be sure. You're not interested in U.S. Artillery and U.S. Cavalry revolvers, unless further identified to a particular unit or individual soldier? What if a Kopec letter identifies the U.S. Military Company to where it was shipped? Still not interested in those?

 

[buckstix]

buckstix, thanks for your question. You are correct, for the purposes of my serial number list I am only interested in US Artillery and US Cavalry revolvers if they are identified with a particularly unit or individual soldier. This requirement is certainly met if Mr. Kopec indicates the gun was issued to a particular US military company, such as Company K, 4th US Cavalry. The fact that Colt delivered a gun to a US government representative at the factory is too general and is not by itself good enough. I hope this clarifies things.

Rusty Edwards

Hello Rusty Edwards,

Thank you. I undestand.

 

[buckstix]

I think this one should make the list. Owned by Lash LaRue. It's a 45 cal - non-factory engraved by J.W. Thompson - Pearl Grips w/ carved Steer Head w/ ruby eyes.

Alfred "Lash" LaRue was a popular western motion picture star of the 1940s and 1950s. He had exceptional skill with the bullwhip and was one of the main inspirations for the character of Indiana Jones. This gun is now in my collection

 

[buckstix]

Hello,
I forgot to include this photo in my post above.

 

[buckstix]

Hello,

I just acquired another Single Action Army that should make the list. (unless its already on it) It is factory engraved with pearl grips. This gun belonged Bee-Ho Gray, a well known performer in the Wild West Shows of the early 1900s. Bee-Ho acquired the gun from the VL&A store in Chicago, Illinois in 1911. Five years later, in 1916, he gifted the gun to his performing companion, and best friend, George Hubert. The back strap is so inscribed.

For more information about this marvelous Western Icon, a complete Biography developed by his Grand Nephew, Clark Gray, can be found at this link.

The Legendary Life of Bee Ho Gray | A biography about one of the most interesting Wild West performers of the 20th century

There is also a Wikipedia page about Bee-Ho Gray. You've got to take a moment to read about him. You won't believe his absolutely interesting History.

Bee Ho Gray - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

In an article written for the Rampant Colt Magazine (Summer 2007) by John Pfeifer, titled "The Forgotten Cowboy's Colt", he writes that he purchased the Colt from George Hubert's family in 1982. Tracking the ownership, not counting Bee-Ho, I'm only the 4th owner in over 109 years.

 

[buckstix]