Well Worn Nickel SAA from 1896

I sure wouldn't be the one to estimate its value but " I LIKE IT " as seen. My kind of gun. Thanks for sharing it with us all. As you know someone here will be around with a very educated evaluation.

Look like an unmessed with example. Near the end of the Eagle grips period. How about $2500; that sound about right to you folks?

I'll leave it to someone else to estimate a value but like WVCOLT (Terry)...I like it!

These are my favorites too! It does appear to be unmolested. It was offered to me for $2400.00. I'd have to move one of my favorite Ed Brown 1911's to buy it. Just cant decide...

hearsedriver said:

These are my favorites too! It does appear to be unmolested. It was offered to me for $2400.00. I'd have to move one of my favorite Ed Brown 1911's to buy it. Just cant decide...

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I know what you mean my friend. Been there and done that myself. Actually just recently here selling and buying with a couple members on the forum. Decisions >> Decisions. Good luck deciding.

Well my friend
That looks very nice
Thank u for sharing it with us
Please let us know if u get it
Stay safe out there
God Bless,John

Sent from my SM-S727VL using Tapatalk

hearsedriver said:

Ive been offered this 1896 SAA in 45 Colt. I think it was probably factory nickel plated but do not have a letter for it. Very little nickel is left as you can see. Terrible pictures. I know the seller and he is very honest. Any thoughts on what it is worth?
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From what I can see, that is a nice-looking Colt SAA. If actually made in 1896, those grips are not original. But the Eagle Grips are worth more than the far more common 3rd type rubber grip. I usually do not suggest prices, but think this one is in the $2000 to $2500 range. I will now see what other values you got up this thread.

With little original finish, but appears honest and with a nice set of Eagle grips, and in .45 Colt, I would like to snag this one for $2000 but might be inclined to go as high as $2250 or $2300 if I wanted it enough. It’s an antique, so it’s one of the earliest cross pin variations. It does have the least desirable barrel length of 5 1/2”, but that doesn’t bother me.

hearsedriver said:

These are my favorites too! It does appear to be unmolested. It was offered to me for $2400.00. I'd have to move one of my favorite Ed Brown 1911's to buy it. Just cant decide...

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Well you can always have another favorite Ed Brown built, that 1st Generation Colt not so much.

mrcvs said:

With little original finish, but appears honest and with a nice set of Eagle grips, and in .45 Colt, I would like to snag this one for $2000 but might. E inclined to go as high as $2250 or $2300 if I wanted it enough. It’s an antique, so it’s one of the earliest cross pin variations. It does have the least desirable barrel length of 5 1/2”, but that doesn’t bother me.

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Depending on which serial number list I check, its either 1895 or 1896. Would the eagle grips be correct for 1895?

victorio1sw said:

If actually made in 1896, those grips are not original. But the Eagle Grips are worth more than the far more common 3rd type rubber grip.

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Correct on both counts. IIRC, Eagle grips were phased out around serial number 140,000?

smutt said:

Well you can always have another favorite Ed Brown built, that 1st Generation Colt not so much.

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True but its such a sweet shooting gun! Really tough decision!

hearsedriver said:

Depending on which serial number list I check, its either 1895 or 1896. Would the eagle grips be correct for 1895?

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No, eagle grips not correct for 1896 but more desirable and valuable than the period appropriate grips.

Well, thats a bummer on the grips.

Eagle grips used 1882-1896. I say they are correct for an 1896 gun. Can't tell if they are original to that gun or not but, they look good in the photo. That said, there was a large overlap in the transition from eagles to plain grips. I have had older guns with plain HR grips.

The serial number that started the year 1895 was approximately 159,000 and the year 1897 started with approximately 168,000 and as the cross pin came out around 165,000, I would guess this revolver is 165301, 166301, 167301, or 168301. As the base of the third number appears to be a completely enclosed loop, we can eliminate 167301, and probably 165301. That leaves this one likely being 166301 or 168301. Am I correct?

I like playing detective!

In Kopec's, book "The Study", on page 314 is a nickle SAA with eagle grips; serial number 165577. (It also has the transverse latch for the base pin).

mrcvs said:

Correct on both counts. IIRC, Eagle grips were phased out around serial number 140,000?

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I think about 140,000 is correct I have #141158 with its original "transition" grips, and it was shipped Aug 1892. The "transition" grips lasted only a couple of 1000 serial numbers before being replaced with the 3rd type.

hwjhfs said:

In Kopec's, book "The Study", on page 314 is a nickle SAA with eagle grips; serial number 165577. (It also has the transverse latch for the base pin).

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I also have #157036, and although the Eagle Grips fit very well, I have always considered them to be replacements. It was shipped to Ft. Smith on 5-28-1894.

I have owned several post 1892-93 Colt SAA's with out-of-period Eagle Grips. Some just thought they looked better than the 3rd type grips.