Looking for a value on the saa gen 1

This isn’t the worst New York engraved gun I’ve seen, nor is it the best. But I think it’s certainly period, and showy, and that’s why I estimated it at 10 to 15k. Two competing bidders are probably going to want the privilege of owning a barbecue gun. If there’s a lack of interest on auction day, then perhaps the higher end of the range given by Rick might be more likely.

I, personally, think the four components that are gold plated make this revolver tacky. Others like this. No way to know for sure if this revolver started out originally gold plated at all—but, here it is now, with gold plated cylinder, hammer, base pin, and ejector rod head. I’m surprised the trigger remains blued and was not gold plated as well.

Does anyone recall an original New York engraved (or factory issued( Colt Single Action Army revolver with gold plating applied to these same four component parts?

As for myself, I’m not a big fan of gold plating. Possibly a gold plated cylinder is okay, but much else gets to be too much. I especially think the plating of the ejector rod head and base pin is “over the top”. That’s why I ask if anyone else has seen these four components only gold plated on original work dating from the late 19th Century?

I should state, paradoxically, that my estimate of 10 to 15K is because these four components are gold plated. If only the cylinder was gold plated, my estimate would be a few thousand less. Simply because those that like flamboyant revolvers like them to be really flamboyant and those such individuals might fight a little bit for the privilege of owning such a showy revolver.

The OP stated he wishes to sell this revolver. Given beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that will determine actual value in an auction setting, I would consign this revolver to a national firearms auction house and let competing bidders duke it out—or not.

It’s the easiest way to sell this revolver and will get the most exposure.

If you do a google search for Period Engraved Colt Single Action you will find quite a few with Colt Plating. It was not as common as plain nickel but it was not what I would call rare. Many percussion Colts had gold plating. I saw a few Single actions with fire blued screws and trigger. Some have the ejector housing gold plated. To many of us it may be over the top with the gold but to many others it looks good. Over time tastes change. This gun looks like it it is a bit above the average and a bit out of the norm for a New York Nickel gun. It may have been special ordered. Those south of the border preferred a bit more bling then we did and there were some wealthy men down there.

Unless someone were to make an offer that was acceptable to the owner an auction would be a good way to sell the gun. Some of the online dealers of antique guns such as Merz may be a good route to go with.