Colt Single Action Army
I have a Colt Single Action Army revolver with a SN in the 329xxx area. I believe that would mean the gun was made in 1915. However the caliber is 38 Special and I didn't think that Colt made 38 Specials that early. Does anyone know?
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We've got a Colt Single Action Army, made sometime after 1875. One piece wooden grip with a silver front sight. We're curious as to how much it would be worth. We haven't checked up on it much yet, so if anyone could help us out that would be great. Thanks 0 -
The .38 Special cartridge was first offered in the Colt SAA in 1930. Your Colt was rebarrelled but may have been done by the factory. It may be worth getting a factory letter. 0 -
I thought something had to be up. The gun is almost too clean to be a 1915 vintage gun. The workmanship is flawless. The condition isn't perfect but it looks like a 4 or 5 year old gun that has been shot a few times. Looks like I should get a letter from Colt on it. 0 -
There were a number of Single Actions converted to 38 Special; both by the Colt Factory and by non-factory Gunsmiths
To determine if your Single Action might have been reworked at the Colt Factory look at the right rear triggerguard bow; is there an asterisk "*", star, or ampersand "&" stamped there? If so, that would suggest the Colt was returned to the factory at some time and for some reason.
Also, check to see if there are numbers stamped on the face of the cylinder and maybe under the grips that are different than the last digits of the serial number of the gun. If so, those might be Colt Factory Rework numbers.
If you can post clear, high resolution, in focus pictures here on the forum we might be able to give you a better assessment of your Colt. Close up and clear pictures of all markings would be beneficial!
A Colt Factory Archive letter will give you the original as shipped configuration and it will cost you $100.0 -
Well, my camera is just not up to the task. But there is not anything on the right rear of the trigger guard but there is a 1 on the left rear and a triangle shaped mark with a "VP" in it near the front of the trigger guard. There is a 52 under the grip on the right side near upper corner of the grip and a 52 on the ?loading cover?. The cylinder has a colt emblem on the front that is slightly different from the colt on the side of the frame. I'll see if a buddy can help me with some photos. 0 -
The "1" is an inspector's mark and the "VP" in a triangle is Colt's proof mark; both standard production stampings.
If there is a Rampant Colt on the cylinder face then it sounds like your Colt might have a barrel and cylinder from the 2nd generation Single Action era (post 1955).
If you are able to post photos we might be able to provide additional information.
ADDED: I forgot to address the other number you mentioned, the number 52. This is an assembly number that on Colts up to about 1909 was stamped in two places; on the loading gate and on the bottom of the frame. Starting some time around 1909 the number was still stamped on the loading gate, but the second location was moved from the bottom of the frame to the rear of the frame. You mentioned that your Colt is a 1915 gun, so the loading gate and the rear of the frame would be the correct places to find the assembly number.0 -
Like OC said the letter will give you the original configuration. My question is will the letter reflect a gun that has been returned for a rework? If not, I dont know if I would have it lettered. 0 -
cartod, an Archive Letter will rarely denote a Single Action's return for rework, but I've seen a few letters that did document a Single Action being returned and what was done; these were early guns that were returned shortly after they were produced. It would be a roll of the dice to expect that information in the letter; most will not have that information. 0
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