That gun has been rebarreled with a 44-40 bbl, the FSS marking is the later stamping, not etched. However it could be the original bbl, as I believe the serial numbers have been restamped, and the letter may not even be for that particular gun! The engraving looks like an amateur was practicing on it! The only thing I like about that gun is the beautiful grips. It would make a "blingy" shooter, if you can get it cheap enough!
Gunbroker SAA, real or not?
Engraved Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army .45 SAA : Revolvers at GunBroker.com
I have seen threads question the authenticity of guns posted on gunbroker. In my neverending search for the SAA of my dreams that is appropriately priced of course
, I came across this. Just an unbelievable piece. But is it real?
I ask if its real because it does have the letter, letter doesn't mention engraving or stocks. What caught my attention was the shipment date corresponding to the serial number on this gun of 1884.
Now let me be the first to say I am no expert, however what caught my eye is the transverse cylinder pin latch. I have done quite a bit of reading on the SAA as it is very close to my favorite weapon. I believe all of the readings I have gone through say that the transverse cylinder pin latch was introduced at the earliest point 1892. I am aware that the frames were not ready for smokeless until around 1900 1901ish but that is not the point of this post. I also thought the first frontier six shooter etchings were only on 44-40 caliber guns. And as far as the ejector rod head being the crescent, I'm not sure when that replaced the bullseye ejector head.
This auction with the letter basically refutes all of this. Is this an anomoly or is it simply a bullsnot gun? Can't wait to hear what the true experts say on this one.
I have seen threads question the authenticity of guns posted on gunbroker. In my neverending search for the SAA of my dreams that is appropriately priced of course
, I came across this. Just an unbelievable piece. But is it real?I ask if its real because it does have the letter, letter doesn't mention engraving or stocks. What caught my attention was the shipment date corresponding to the serial number on this gun of 1884.
Now let me be the first to say I am no expert, however what caught my eye is the transverse cylinder pin latch. I have done quite a bit of reading on the SAA as it is very close to my favorite weapon. I believe all of the readings I have gone through say that the transverse cylinder pin latch was introduced at the earliest point 1892. I am aware that the frames were not ready for smokeless until around 1900 1901ish but that is not the point of this post. I also thought the first frontier six shooter etchings were only on 44-40 caliber guns. And as far as the ejector rod head being the crescent, I'm not sure when that replaced the bullseye ejector head.
This auction with the letter basically refutes all of this. Is this an anomoly or is it simply a bullsnot gun? Can't wait to hear what the true experts say on this one.
1 - 20 of 29 Posts
Great info.
Here's the orig. Serial # mentioned in this thread. And below is another gun they have listed. Was it normal for different # punches to be used? These are only about 200 away from each other.
![]()
![]()
Here's the orig. Serial # mentioned in this thread. And below is another gun they have listed. Was it normal for different # punches to be used? These are only about 200 away from each other.
2
Checked that serial on Colt Mfg..........oy-vey!
No wonder they chose that combo.
No wonder they chose that combo.
As has been stated, there is much wrong with that gun, but I'd still give $1200 for it and use it as a blingy shooter.
1 - 20 of 29 Posts
