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1ST GEN SAA 1901 DOM ARTILLERY MODELquestions...

mrmike08075
1. 1ST GENERATION COLT SAA REVOLVER
2. 5 1/2" BBL artillery model
3. SER# 2171XX
4. .32 W.C.F. (.32-20 WCF)
5. original checkered bakalite grip panels with the rampant colt oval logo (hartford horsy). both grips panels have the correct COLT markings inside...
6. open ended 3/4 length flutes
7. pinched frame model / high hammer (checkered spur)
8. 1901 DOM (???)
9. cylinder pin secured by spring loaded transverse catch / not an "angled screw" model...so called "smokeless" frame....
10. #`s match / all original / unaltered
11. 15% original finish...its turned a pewter grey color, with the grip frame being darker by several shades.
12. most of the screws have been beaten up (lightly, not destroyed)
the base pin head has been attacked with pliers, but functions perfectly.

NRA GOOD condition
the timing, alingnment, and action are perfect. it indexs correctly...
the trigger is sweet, light, and crisp (about 4 pounds) with a clean break. the gun is a bit rough around the edges, but it has character. no rust, mint bore, perfect muzzle crown, perfect forcing cone...

when made??? how many made (by year, and caliber)??? of intrest to collectors??? rare or common??? value??? info, anecdotes, history lessons, personal experiance, opinions, facts, etc... desired and requested...

best regards, mike.

What other dungeon is so dark as ones own heart, what jailer so inexorable as ones own mind.
contact me at the shop at waltsgun@aol.com best regards, mike.
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Comments

4 comments

Date Votes
  • perry shooter
    Hello about 30,000 32wcf made in the saa frame . 5&1/2 inch barrel is what is commonly called ARTILLERY model this would only be in 45 CAL with U.S. marked and inspected as far as I know last gov shipment was in 1891 around No.138,000 any other 5&1/2 barrel gun is just a 5&1/2 inch first gen.SAA. That said any ist gen gun is a wanted item. The pinch frame was one of the first 200 built I don't think yours is one of them.On all 1st gen guns the only way to give a value is for the appraiser to have it in his hand.There very many changes and only in hand look will be able to tell if it is right. A copy of COLT letter is a good investment on any 1st gen SAA if it is orginal. If you want value so you can sell put it up for unreserved auction on this site with good pictures . If you want value for insurance most insurance will want a signed apraisal. If you want value for braging rights just make up one or look at what they are selling for on this site
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  • mrmike08075
    1. yes, i am going to get a FACTORY LETTER...
    2. by "PINCHED FRAME" i was refering to the rear sight...
    3. i took it in trade here at the shop sight unseen. unless its realy butchered, or a basket case a 1ST GEN SAA is worth a minimum of $1000.00 (thats my personal experiance...). i do not have alot "into it" at this point. i told the shop owner (my boss) that it was worth about $1500.00 in my humble opinion but i would need to do some research, and ask the good folks here on GB before nailing down the exact details...
    4. i think it would do well at auction, in its current original condition. i also think it would be a perfect restoration project (by TURNBULL, not me...).
    5. i am doing my own independant research, but i always ask / inquire here for the opinions and experiance of my peers and friends.

    please offer your opinions and advice for consideration...

    best regards, mike.


    What other dungeon is so dark as ones own heart, what jailer so inexorable as ones own mind.
    contact me at the shop at waltsgun@aol.com best regards, mike.
    0
  • perry shooter
    Hello mike You are doing the right thing and nobody can be an expert on every type of firearm . If you are going to work in a gun shop that deals in out of production guns You should try to get the shop owner to invest in ref. books . This site is very good on haveing Pictures of very many guns but some RESERVE prices are somebodies DREAM .Most gun shop owners /salesman do very little in the way of research on used guns and your boss is lucky to have you.Only list a gun with facts you know to be true if you put in the listing something that a collector knows can't be true it will turn them away from bidding at all and they are the very customers you need to pay the top prices EXAMPLE "ARTILLERY MODEL & "PINCHED FRAME" would be better left out in this case as they can't be true. cheers Karl
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  • mrmike08075
    currently at over 150 gun books (old and new)...
    in triple digits now in the gun collection...
    i almost never put a reserve on our GB auctions...
    i had that magic feeling when i handled it for the 1st time...
    i love this aspect of the job, the investigation and research, as well as the inspection and handling...
    best regards, mike.

    What other dungeon is so dark as ones own heart, what jailer so inexorable as ones own mind.
    contact me at the shop at waltsgun@aol.com best regards, mike.
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