1st Year 2nd Gen 1956 SAA
I would greatly appreciate any information that your experts might have regarding an early 2nd Generation Colt SAA I own.
Several years ago I acquired a 1st year (1956) 2nd generation SAA, serial number 76##SA. Of particular interest is that this SAA has a flawless nickel finish, and according to the several gunsmiths that have inspected it, it appears to be unfired. I have since learned that the nickel finish was special order only in 1956, and not a production option from Colt until 1957. I sent the SN information to Colt and received an official letter back indicating that this SAA was indeed originally shipped in November 1956 a blue finish.
The dealers that have inspected it have commented on the high quality of the nickel finish, especially around screw heads, etc., and how it certainly appears to have been professionally done by Colt in the Custom Shop. When I asked Colt about possible records for SAAs sent back to be refinished, they said that unfortunately records weren't kept for the Custom Shop during this time frame.
So my questions are, who other than Colt might have been able to apply such a high quality nickel finish? It has not been fired, turned, and very seldom even handled since it was refinished.
Second, I wouldn't hesitate to compare the finish on this piece to any brand new nickel finish Colt. Assuming it is indeed unfired, as several professional dealers have indicated, and in the absence of any any flaws in the nickel finish, what would be a reasonable insurance value (my company requires riders for rare or unusual firearms) for this SAA? I thought about possibly selling it, but given the scarcity of 1956 SAAs, I plan to hang onto it for now.
Although it isn't exactly as it was originally shipped in 1956, I still regard it as somewhat significant being the first year of 2nd generation. I see very few 1956 SAAs in any finish, fired or unfired, listed on Gunbroker. Does the fact that it isn't the original blue finish diminish the value that much?
Thanks in advance to all of you who can shed some perspective on this for me.
Best Regards!
Several years ago I acquired a 1st year (1956) 2nd generation SAA, serial number 76##SA. Of particular interest is that this SAA has a flawless nickel finish, and according to the several gunsmiths that have inspected it, it appears to be unfired. I have since learned that the nickel finish was special order only in 1956, and not a production option from Colt until 1957. I sent the SN information to Colt and received an official letter back indicating that this SAA was indeed originally shipped in November 1956 a blue finish.
The dealers that have inspected it have commented on the high quality of the nickel finish, especially around screw heads, etc., and how it certainly appears to have been professionally done by Colt in the Custom Shop. When I asked Colt about possible records for SAAs sent back to be refinished, they said that unfortunately records weren't kept for the Custom Shop during this time frame.
So my questions are, who other than Colt might have been able to apply such a high quality nickel finish? It has not been fired, turned, and very seldom even handled since it was refinished.
Second, I wouldn't hesitate to compare the finish on this piece to any brand new nickel finish Colt. Assuming it is indeed unfired, as several professional dealers have indicated, and in the absence of any any flaws in the nickel finish, what would be a reasonable insurance value (my company requires riders for rare or unusual firearms) for this SAA? I thought about possibly selling it, but given the scarcity of 1956 SAAs, I plan to hang onto it for now.
Although it isn't exactly as it was originally shipped in 1956, I still regard it as somewhat significant being the first year of 2nd generation. I see very few 1956 SAAs in any finish, fired or unfired, listed on Gunbroker. Does the fact that it isn't the original blue finish diminish the value that much?
Thanks in advance to all of you who can shed some perspective on this for me.
Best Regards!
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Unfortunately, for collector purposes, the nickel finish is "opinion" rather than "fact". I agree that your SAA probably was returned to the factory for plating, which was much better than modern plating due to EPA involvement with the chemical process. However, with the factory letter indicating a blue/case hardened finish, you will always face the argument as to the true origin of the nickel plating. 0 -
Thanks Spider 7115.
BTW, I did forget to mention that this SAA is .45LC with 5 1/2" barrel. The Colt letter said Type of Stocks "Not Specified". It's currently fitted with a very nice pair of Sambar Stag with noticable age yellowing coloration and really deep, pronounced bark. They don't have the Colt medallion however, so not sure when or where they were installed.0 -
quote:Originally posted by oldbuckaroo
Thanks Spider 7115.
BTW, I did forget to mention that this SAA is .45LC with 5 1/2" barrel. The Colt letter said Type of Stocks "Not Specified". It's currently fitted with a very nice pair of Sambar Stag with noticable age yellowing coloration and really deep, pronounced bark. They don't have the Colt medallion however, so not sure when or where they were installed.
It most likely had black rubber grips, although walnut was an option. However, I would think optional stocks would show on the factory letter.
We recently had a situation similar to yours involving a 1st Generation Colt SAA. Most people felt the nickle finish was done by Colt, probably through returning to the factory for plating, but the letter said it left with a blued finish. Once again, the origin of the finish was lost in history as factory documentation was lacking.
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