Very Interesting Colt Artillery All Matching 1883 SAA Single Action Army
Description:
Guns by Sally-always the best for less. We are over the top proud to offer this very unique Colt Artillery Single Action Army that was refurbished at the Colt factory. While most cavalry guns were altered by the Springfield Armory after the Indian wars, this one was "remodeled", as Kopec states, by Colt. Close examination will prove this point. Made in the year of our Lord 1883, likely shipped to the Army under the 8th military contract. 2000 revolvers were ordered that year at a cost of $12.50 each. All, of course, were 45 caliber guns with 7 1/2 inch barrels. After the Indian wars died down and the Army switched to 38 caliber sidearms in 1893, most of these cavalry guns were sent to Springfield to be altered to have a 5 1/2 inch barrel cut and installed. Since they were disassembled without regard to serial numbered parts, most today have mixed numbers. The gun offered here has matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard, and backstrap. While this is common on "overrun" Colts, we have some differences that rule out that possibility. Colt never wasted anything, and excess government contract guns were quickly converted to civilian specs and sold through distributors. This gun was altered many years after production. Correct for 1883, it bears the DFC and G inspector marks, and an H in the hammer slot. If you look closely, it bears the remnants of the 3 line, type 2 patent marking. Over them, the type 3 marking was stamped. Next to that, the rampant Colt encircled trademark was stamped. Neither of those features existed until 1890. This cavalry gun was made in 1883 and converted to an Artillery gun sometime after 1890. It was converted to a Frontier Six Shooter with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, then nickel plated. The original trigger guard was stamped "44 CAL". The ivory grips may have been factory issued or added by a distributor. I have read every Colt reference book I have pertaining to Artillery Colts, and can find no other such gun altered in this fashion. In the world of Colt collecting, this revolver is as unique as you will find anywhere. The Colt collector lives for the unusual exceptions, mistakes, or variations from the normal. Remember, the value of this wheel gun is in the content, not the condition. That said, she is still working at an age of 136 years. All 4 clicks are there, with lockup and loading working as designed. The bore is good, with some shine and distinct rifling. While I never saw the point of spending 5500 dollars or more for a gun with mixed numbers, I would consider this gun much more valuable. I will list it for the same amount. Investors, take note. This Colt could be worth more than a cavalry model at one of the national gun s. If you have been looking for the right Colt single action to collect or for investment, but want a true rarity, then look no further.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer:
Colt
Model:
Single Action Army
Serial Number:
93945