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Inscribed Historic Colt Single Action SAA, Built In 1877
Guns International #: 101280134 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Colt Revolvers - Single Action Army - 1st Gen - Colt Revolvers - Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: A & A Gaines Antiques
Member Since: 11/2/08
State: Rhode Island
Zip: 02840
Country: United States
Phone: (401) 846-0538
Number of Active Listings: 0
Total Number of Listings: 66
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
3 days
Payment Types Accepted: USPS Postal Money Order or Bank Check
Description:
A fine and very interesting double inscribed Colt Model 1873, Single Action Army, revolver caliber .45 long Colt with 7 1/2" barrel, built in 1877.
The left side of the frame is engraved, "ALEX SNEED, DANVILLE KY ", and above this is engraved by a different hand, "FRANK L. JUDAH". Early Colt Single Action revolvers bearing original period inscriptions or presentatioins are very hard to find, those with any historical association are rare.
The Sneed family were one of the principle families of 19th century Danville, Kentucky. We believe this Colt belonged to Alexander Hamilton Sneed, 1835 - 1881 (his name condensed on the revolver due to location). Mr. Sneed led an evenful life being intimately involved in law and politics. He was the Boyle County representative in the legislature of 1859. In that period, Kentucky was a 'Border' and parts of its population fought on both the Union and Confederate sides in the Civil War.
Alexander Hamilton Sneed was a staunch Unionist. President Abraham Lincoln appointed him US Marshal of Kentucky. Mr. Sneed was also one of theanizers of the Conservative Democratic Party in Kentucky. Having been a 'Border' state, like Kansas and Missouri, post Civil War Kentucky was subject to continuing Confederate vs. Union enmities and was a dangerous place for a prominent 'Union' politician and officer of the law.
Kentucky was also a gateway west for gold seekers, and other desperate individuals on either side of the law......not to mention it being a good source of fine horses and opportunities for horse theives. It is a pretty good bet that research on A.H. Sneed should uncover some very interesting history. We have not found any information regarding Frank L. Judah but having both names on the same Colt indicates there must have been a connection between them.
Alexander Hamilton Sneed's Colt Single Action revolver shows that it has surely been carried and seen use, however it has also been well cared for. The condition of Mr. Sneed's Colt reflects the circumstances of his life.
This SAA Colt has all matching serial numbers which indicate production in 1877. It retains 80%+ aftermarket period of use nickel finish with pleasing patina - missing nickel due to black powder/corrosive primer firing and holster wear. All markings and edges are clear and crisp. During the 1870s and early 1880s nickel plated finish was very popular with western owners of army sized Colts and other revolvers since nickel was a very weather proof finish for guns openly carried on a regular basis. Frequently owners had their arms nickeled at point of purchase or shortly thereafter. The bore is fine with sharp rifling and light frosting in the grooves. Mechanical functions are excellent with tight lock-up and fine trigger pull. The original walnut grips are very fine with light handling marks and old/original finish.
This historicaly interesting and very presentable Colt which has seen real service has somehow survived in fine condition. It is a very worthwhile piece for collectors of historical Americana.
NOTE: This antique pistol is being sold purely as a collector's item. It cannot be shipped to any locations where firearms legislation does not recognize antique arms, such as NYC, NJ, etc. Buyers are fully responsible for abiding by their local firearms regulations. We will not ship outside the USA. For the benefit of foreign buyers we will ship to fully licensed firearms export agent within the USA.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, model 1873, 1st. generation
Caliber Info: .45
Condition: very fine
Metal Condition: verfy fine
Wood Condition: very fine
Bore Condition: very fine
Manufacture Date: 1877