1st Generation Colt SAA- part 2-pics
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Here is a better look at Pati's pictures and it shows a very nice and tastefully engraved Colt Single Action. Unfortunately, the pictures still aren't of the quality necessary to fairly evaluate this Colt.
However, without better, truly in focus pictures, the soft edges and corners that I think I'm seeing, but sharper engraving, seems to suggest that the Colt has been refinished and the engraving isn't factory. There also appears to be a slight gap between the ejector rod housing and the frame, which would suggest some amount of rework. A Colt letter, if available for your Single Action, would confirm originality of the configuration and engraving.0 -
Pati,
I hate to do this, but I need to ask you if you could take more pictures. when doing so, use the MACRO function on your camera, and if you need to, find something to help you steady up the camera...a hard bound book works well for me. This will give us the pictures that we need to properly asses this.
Old-Colts is correct though, if you really want this to go anyplace, you are going to need the letter from Colt, that gives the factory originality of this revolver. It is a beautiful revolver, and very tastefully done. We all just hope for you that it is original.
Best0 -
Pati - I meant no disrespect when I referred to the comments on gunvaluesboard, which is not affiliated with this site. My point was that no matter where you go, you're going to basically get the same opinions.
As I stated in my e-mail to you, I can't tell whether or not if your Colt is factory-engraved. However, even if I was 100% positive, it would only be my opinion as would anyone's comments.
You have a potentially very valuable factory engraved Colt Single Action Army or a very nicely aftermarket engraved one. The difference in values can run into thousands of dollars. The only way you can know for sure is from the factory itself. If the letter states that it left the factory as a blued revolver with rubber grips or "in the white" (meaning no finish at all), you'll know it was refinished and engraved at a later date. New York dealers such as Abercrombie & Fitch would often order Colts "in the white" and have them custom engraved and finished by local engravers. However, if it states it was nickel plated and factory engraved with mother-of-pearl grips (or stocks), you will have the proof you need and anyone's opinion will no longer matter.
If that was my gun, I would be on the phone to Colt tomorrow as the suspense would be killing me!
In any event, I'm sure it holds great sentimental value to you and no opinion or letter can change that.
You have a beautiful revolver and please let us know what you find out from Colt.0 -
OK guys I need an opinion . This is a great looking pistol and while the lack of Marco and slight blurring of the pictures makes it rather hard to tell for sure . Two of the pictures really makes me wonder if this pistol has not been refinished . On the thumb nail size pictures they are IMG 52 and 827 it shows the lead into the locking notches a ring extending and cutting across the engraved scroll. This same mark is on at least 2 if not 3 different notches. Would this be correct or is it a cylinder ring "WEAR" that was plated over[?] 0 -
Karl, in my opinion what you are seeing at the leading edge of the bolt stop approaches and commencing over the edge of the engraving is the bolt dropping too early. I think the timing is off on this Single Action and that is what you are seeing. This is the typical result of poor timing and the bolt dropping early, but not near as bad as some I've seen.
As I mentioned above; I believe the Colt has been refinished. In focus pictures would certainly help with that determination. I don't see the "VP" on the left front trigger guard bow; it was probably buffed off, but it could be there and the poor pictures blur it to the point of not being visible. The front sight is still a mystery; it isn't the right profile for a Single Action of this era and combined with the poor fit of the ejector rod housing to the frame makes you really question some aspects of the Single Action. Another thing I noticed is that in some pictures the cylinder beveling looks more pronounced than is typical for a Single Action of this era!
I'm not overly knowledgeable about Factory engraving because I've never been interested in engraved guns; consequently I've never studied all of the various Colt engravers or their typical patterns. This Colt actually shows a little from several known patterns. I suspect the gun is not Factory engraved. However, if it was Factory engraved, then it was freshened when the gun was refinished!
In my opinion the only way for us to fairly evaluate the potential for Factory engraving is with much better pictures.
Pati, if you are taking pictures with a digital camera and not a cell phone, then you need to use "Macro mode" for the close-up pictures we need; that way they will be in focus. Truthfully, I believe you need to call Colt Archive Services on Monday and properly letter your Single Action. Again, there's no cost if there isn't a record for your Colt.
EDIT:
Here is a better look at Pati's latest group of pictures. The images are better, but smaller. My opinion remains that the Single Action has been refinished and the engraving probably isn't factory. If by chance it is factory, then it was freshened up when the Single Action was refinished. Again, just my opinion and a factory letter, if available, will reveal authenticity of the configuration.0 -
i've been following this in both postings here, as well as old postings elsewhere.
so, where are we at in determining the originality of this gun?
i have some opinions, but i'll bite my tongue for now.
tom0 -
I think you might have it nailed, O-C. 0 -
I called Colt yesterday, but just got a voicemail telling me to leave a message and "due to high volume, call backs are delayed". So i wait to hear if the records exist. I will post here as soon as i have an answer.
thanks for all your interest
Pati0 -
P-S noted this earlier, but I wanted to mention again that the Nickle seems to be lain over the top of some existing wear, as evidenced by the bolt stop notches on the cylinder. Also, while most everything else looks pretty crisp the stops are not and while there seems to be a small amount of wear through the nickel, the malformation I see extends beyond it to the body of the cylinder where the scallop for the stop ends. Also, the drag line seems pretty well nickel covered for being that pronounced.
Having said all that, I love the looks of this thing! I don't know what the sentimental value of the gun is to you, but I would have a hard time parting with it due to the just plain attractive factor! "Refreshed" or not, looks purdy.0 -
I like to look for sharp edges between frame and trigger guard and the rear grip frame.
Rounding of these mating surfaces connotes a refinished gun.
I believe it was a well used gun prior to refinishing and engraving.
However, it is a very beautiful piece.
There have been several examples of new SAAs shown on GB that were nickled at the factory and had exhibited extensive rounding of sharp edges and dishing of screw holes that turned me off.
Practically speaking, a nickled rounded corner will hold plating or bluing better than a sharp corner but collectors don't like them.0
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