COLT SAA 1st GENERATION SINGLE ACTION ARMY 38-40 X 4-3/4” BARREL - SHIPPED TO SPEER HARDWARE CO., HISTORIC FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS
Description:
**********SOLD**********
Description:
Old Colts shipped to Fort Smith have a special appeal, with the association to “Hanging Judge” Parker, His Deputies that worked the Oklahoma Territory, and countless notable outlaws who roamed this area. One of the last of these outlaws, Henry Starr, was killed during a Harrison, Arkansas bank robbery in 1921.
This Colt comes with a $150 Factory Letter confirming that #286201 was a 38-40, 4-3/4", Blue, Stocks Not Listed, Shipped to Speer Hardware Co., Fort Smith, Ark, 4 Guns, on 11-21-1906. The entry for “type of stocks” was left blank in the shipping ledger, because these four guns were equipped with standard hard rubber.
This Colt has matching serial numbers on frame, trigger guard, and backstrap. The gate number 6617 also appears under the frame. The grips fit perfectly as apparently original, with the initial “-WN-” and “11/14/16” scratched inside right grip, and “-N-” and “Jan 11, 1911” scratched inside left grip. Both grips show about the same amount of wear to the checkering, with slightly more on the right grip. There is only the tiniest chip on the toe portion of the left grip, as shown.
The gun cocks and locks up almost as if new. The bolt properly falls on the lead-in grooves, and slides into the cylinder locking notches for a very tight lock-up. Final cylinder rotation occurs as the hammer comes to full cock. The safety cock notch leaves the firing pin totally withdrawn from the cartridge head (see picture #4). The half cock notch is in the correct place, as proven by the chambers lining up in the center of the loading port (see picture #5). There are no broken or re-cut hammer notches or any timing issues. I can give the assurance that at least 95% of all Colt Single Actions being offered on the internet will require at least $250 for correcting these mechanism issues, but the seller usually will not disclose these flaws. Perhaps worse yet, is that these repairs take 4 to 6 months when done by the few truly capable gunsmiths.
The bore has strong lands and grooves, with some shallow patches of pitting in the grooves. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would call this one a 7-bore condition. The front of the cylinder shows the expected light porosity, with a minimal gap between it and the rear of barrel. The rear of this cylinder is smooth gray. The chambers are smooth and clean (pictures show oil inside, after I cleaned them). The steel front sight remains in its original 0.52” x 0.29” tall configuration. The ejector head is perfectly straight and fits nicely to the underside of barrel. These ejector heads are often seen badly bent backwards (toward the cylinder), as results from ejecting tight cartridge cases. There are some minor dings on the barrel just ahead of the cylinder pin head (see in pictures, as magnified). The cylinder pin is a new replacement, and this part also promotes a tighter cylinder lock-up.
The original markings remain clearly readable, including the barrel address, patent dates, serial numbers, the “Viewed-Proved” VP triangle on trigger bow, “38 W.C.F.”, and the expected “41” on underside of barrel. The left rear trigger guard is stamped “T”, which some think means that the gun was “Targeted” and came with a test target. In the past, I have not seen any “T” stamped guns described as such in a factory shipping letter. It would seem that the “Targeted” process would be an extra cost. The gun retains a trace of blue in protected trigger guard areas, with the balance being generally a smooth grey. All screws are way-above-average, with slots being free of previous screw-driver damage, and with most showing bright fire blue.
[Notice: All gun photos presented here are of Extremely-High-Definition quality, and represent enlargement up to 7X Actual Size! This means that a spot the diameter of a sharp pencil point (0.015”) can appear to be almost 1/8”].
This Colt SAA is all-original, except for the cylinder pin and a few screws.
Additional pictures sent on request. Send me an email, and we can set up a phone call to discuss details of this antique gun.
In some cases, I can ship directly to a C&R licensed individual.
Terms:
No International sales. Not being sold as a shooter, but as a functional collector’s Colt SAA. In General, if you want to shoot any older Colt, first take it to a gunsmith and have it checked out.
Three day inspection period, but ask questions prior to buying (see additional notes on returns at bottom). Additional pictures sent on request. Send me an email, and we can set up a phone call to discuss details of this antique gun.
See my 21 years of 100% positive feedback ratings on eBay (user name: victorio1sw). Member NRA, TGCA, CCA, RSA, and S&WCA.
I accept Bank Cashier’s Checks and Postal Money Orders. No personal checks or Western Union MO’s. Payment must be received with copy of C&R (or FFL) within seven days after sale date, and sent by Priority Mail with Tracking Number provided by buyer. Shipping by FedEx Ground (13” x 7” x 7” box) fully insured for $55.00 (and tracking number provided to buyer). Usually shipping occurs within 3 days after payment received.
Three (3) day Inspection and Return Policy: Only if returned Exactly as Received - Not Disassembled for Inspection, Not Tampered, Not Broken/Chipped/Scratched/Dented/Scuffed, or any Parts Switched. Any Original Documentation sent Must Be Returned with item.
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes