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Homework for a Colt US Calvary SAA
Ruckin69
Member Posts: 274 ✭✭✭
Well I'm interested in purchasing one but obviously have to do some homework. What books do you recommend and what budget do I need for a decent pistol? I have about $2000 to $3000 but realize matching numbers, history ect make the prices range signifigantly so where do I start and what is a realistic budget?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Comments
"COLT CAVALRY,ARTILLERY AND MILITARY REVOLVERS" Be aware that Colt
letters will only state WHEN they were shipped to the military.
I also like a TWO Volume by Keith Cochran " COLT PEACEMAKER ENCYCLOPEDIA"
There is books books I think Springfield Press that has serial
numbers that may have more detail information but hit or miss on a
particular pistol.Many Cavalry models were modified to become
Artillery models . many different times and some military Arsenals
others by Colt. I am lucky enough to have one of those I took a
chance on and it did "LETTER" as being converted by COLT and shipped BACK to military .EDIT If you live any where near LOUISVILLE KY I will have one at the Gunshow March 1&2 Remember they were made for only 30 years and saw Hard use all are at least 110 years old They should have 3 major parts that have matching serial numbers However many many had smaller parts replaced both while in service to military as well as after they were sold on the surplus market. along with many converted to artillery configuration.
If you ask for a letter and price for research on a ART or any single action for that matter and they have more than one entry for that serial the price will be more . so if Colt gives you a high price
over the phone PAY the big bucks you have an important piece. You need to know Who inspected guns during the time frame of yours and were he stamped the parts. I am also Lucky to have one of the first Contract of 8000 inspected by Ainsworth.
However, you may find a decent "Artillery" model (a former Cavalry model cut by the arsenal from 7 1/2" to 5 1/2" and usually mixed numbers) in your price range.
Life in the US Army's western horse Calvary units was very harsh, it took a toll on soldiers, horses and fire arms. Several years ago I sold a SAA Colt, it had the proper inspector stamp, had a 7 1/2" barrel and was manufactured in 1875. Before selling it, I convinced the owner to get a letter from Colt. Turns out, the gun was shipped in an order of 50 to the Army in 1875, it was sent back to Colt in 1879 to be refurbished, and was returned as an Artillery model, with a 5 1/2" barrel. The pistol was again sent to Colt in 1891, the only information on this visit to the factory was that it was refurbished again, blued and sent back to the Army. The latter doesn't say what the barrel length was, but it plainly stated that the finish was blue, not case colored.
There is a gentleman the lives in Red Bluff California, his name escapes me right now, but he does extensive provenance and history work on Colt SAAs. I've heard good things about his work, but, he doesn't do it for free.
I did some research on the above mentioned gun, and on my great uncle's birds head 38-40. What I learned is, you couldn't learn all there is to know about Colt SAA's in 2 lifetimes.
W.D.
What Karl and Spider have told you is very good advice.
Life in the US Army's western horse Calvary units was very harsh, it took a toll on soldiers, horses and fire arms. Several years ago I sold a SAA Colt, it had the proper inspector stamp, had a 7 1/2" barrel and was manufactured in 1875. Before selling it, I convinced the owner to get a letter from Colt. Turns out, the gun was shipped in an order of 50 to the Army in 1875, it was sent back to Colt in 1879 to be refurbished, and was returned as an Artillery model, with a 5 1/2" barrel. The pistol was again sent to Colt in 1891, the only information on this visit to the factory was that it was refurbished again, blued and sent back to the Army. The latter doesn't say what the barrel length was, but it plainly stated that the finish was blue, not case colored.
There is a gentleman the lives in Red Bluff California, his name escapes me right now, but he does extensive provenance and history work on Colt SAAs. I've heard good things about his work, but, he doesn't do it for free.
I did some research on the above mentioned gun, and on my great uncle's birds head 38-40. What I learned is, you couldn't learn all there is to know about Colt SAA's in 2 lifetimes.
W.D.
You may be thinking of John Kopec, renown author and authority on Colt SAA's. His letters of authenticity can and do considerably increase the value of a Colt.
His website: http://www.johnakopec.com/
1) A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver (Graham, Kopec, Moore)
2) Colt Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers (Kopec and Finn)
Kopec is pretty much the authority on these guns.
As Spider mentioned; $5000 is pretty much an entry point for an original no finish US gun.
If you can't feel the music; it's only pink noise!
If you're still looking for a cavalry model SAA you can e-mail me at ricsic@msn.com. I have a 119xxx with 1887 dated and JGB cartouched grips that has been 'gently" refinished for 4500.00. Several others but more $.
"Gentle refinished", is same,same, as a little pregnant. Ain't no such thing. Just so much dealer speak/hot air, same as the Winchesters that have been "cleaned".
If you're still looking for a cavalry model SAA you can e-mail me at ricsic@msn.com. I have a 119xxx with 1887 dated and JGB cartouched grips that has been 'gently" refinished for 4500.00. Several others but more $.
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