1st generation colt saa

vdms55

a friend of a friend has a 1st generation colt saa and is trying to find some info. about it. he wrote a letter with the following stuff that is stamped on the barrel and colt responded that they had no records that could help him. the blue book of gun values does not even list the pistol. any one that can shed some light about the gun will be his hero. thanks for your help in advance......... here is what is on the barrel.. Colts Pt.F.A, Mfg Hartford Conn.
Sept 1871,July 1872. Serial # 1135. at a glance i think it has a 5 1/2 or 6 inch tube, .44 or .45 cal. and is in 10% condition at best. sorry no pictures.

vdms55

I am trying to find out more info about a couple of Colt pistols that I have. I have been told that this one is a 1st generation, and what is the approximate value. The serial number is 41726. Here are some pics.......Thanks, Travis

vdms55

I have inherited a Colt Single Action Army 45. Serial #354634, It is engraved. manufactured in 1932. I would like to know value, is it considered an antique? How do i care for it? Is it real important to get a letter from Colt?
thanks

perry shooter

A four digit serial is most likely a Military pistol but may be civilian model. These early guns will bring big buck if in good shape with correct parts but most likely yours has had major parts replaced . A hands on by MORE THEN one person that knows old colts would be best short of that Many in focus detailed closeup pictures of all markings ETC is a must.[:D]
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Edit. look at the pistol behind the 2 line date and see if you can see the two letters U.S. on the frame. this would denote military pistol also you should see the small letter A on the trigger guard and other places on the pistol if the serial on the trigger guard matches the serial on the frame . The letter A denotes the pistol was inspected by AINSWORTH this would add value to the pistol the barrel address if original. The barrel markings if original should be in the ITALIC font with a mark that is referred to as a DAGGER before the first and after the last letter.

Hawk Carse

A glance is not enough. A detailed description with pictures will get you worthwhile information. The best outcome I can see here is that he has an early military contract .45 that went back through Springfield Armory or the Colt factory to be refurbished and the barrel shortened to 5.5". But you have not given enough information to be certain of that.

Colt does not give out detailed information for free. They want to sell you a Factory Letter at $200 for a first generation SAA.

At 10% finish it is likely one of those guns that will be assigned a high dollar value because of its age, but not sell because of its low condition. A local dealer has had a couple like that in the showcase for several years now.

vdms55

thanks for the response. the owner did send a check along with the infromation to colt but the check was returned along with the letter of explaination about the lost records. i'll work on getting some pictures posted if he wishes to pursue this avenue. thanks again