Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this HIGHLY SOUGHT-AFTER HISTORIC single-action revolver for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Single Action Army - 1st Generation!
According to the included factory letter from Colt, this Colt Single Action Army was sold to the United States Government and delivered to a U.S. Government Inspector located at the Colt Plant on March 13, 1880. Further remarks read: As noted above, the records do not provide information with regard to the barrel length of the subject revolver or the type of stocks. However, this is usually an indication of a 7 ½" barrel length and walnut stocks, as these were considered standard issue for that time period.
This specific revolver, with serial number 41692, is part of the early D.F.C. Series (Civilian U.S. Revolvers) that run from serial #36798 through #39879 (H.N. series) and #41033 through #42305.
According to our research, this unique group of early Colt revolvers, though produced alongside the standard 1880s models inspected by Lt. David A. Lyle, stands apart due to its unusual origin and mixed civilian-military lineage. In 1878, Colt had accumulated roughly 3,000 completed civilian Single Action Army revolvers that the company sought to sell to the U.S. Government. Vice President General Franklin proposed refinishing them in “government blue” to meet inspection standards, as most originally bore a “trade finish” typical of commercial production. An estimated 1,300 of these revolvers were submitted for inspection by Lt. Lyle, though not all passed the stringent ordnance requirements. These revolvers, made before the Henry Nettleton-inspected series, represent a transitional group — originally civilian arms that were adapted and accepted, in part, for military use.
The defining characteristics of this “Civilian-U.S.” series include the absence of the “D.F.C.” sub-inspector’s stamp on the frame, as their case-hardened surfaces could not withstand deep die markings without damage, and the presence of “.45 Cal.” stamped on the trigger guard — a civilian marking retained from their original configuration. Many surviving examples feature the bright “trade finish” or polished “charcoal blue” typical of civilian Colts from that era. Within this early D.F.C. group, collectors recognize three main classifications: 23 Cavalry Models, 44 Artillery revolvers, and 33 New York Militia examples. Some of these revolvers have well-documented service histories and unique configurations that warrant individual examination. Their hybrid provenance and aesthetic distinctiveness make this group an especially intriguing chapter in the evolution of Colt’s U.S. military revolvers.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Single Action Army - 1st Generation
Serial: 41692
Date of Manufacture: 1878 (According to https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup/)
Model: Single Action Army - 1st Generation
Serial: 41692
Date of Manufacture: 1878 (According to https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup/)
Date of Shipment: March 13, 1880 (According to the Factory Letter)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Finish: Blue Patina
Barrel Length: 5 ½"
Optics/Sights: Integral Blade Front and Frame Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Grips
Action: Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard / The left side of the frame at the patent dates is marked “U.S.” The frame is marked with serial number 41692, while the trigger guard is marked with 120097, and the backstrap is marked 116158 and 65. The cylinder of this revolver is faintly numbered #9743 and the letter “P”. The butt of the grips is stamped “D.F.C.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Single Action Army, famously known as the “Peacemaker,” is one of the most celebrated revolvers in American firearms history, embodying the ruggedness and independence of the American frontier. First introduced in 1873 by Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company, the Single Action Army was originally chambered in .45 Colt and designed as a reliable sidearm for the U.S. Army. Built on a solid steel frame with a six-shot cylinder, the revolver utilizes a single-action mechanism, requiring the hammer to be manually cocked before each shot. Early models featured a simple fixed front sight with a rear notch, ensuring durability and ease of use in field conditions. Over time, Colt produced the revolver in multiple barrel lengths, from compact 4.75-inch models to 7.5-inch “Artillery” versions, as well as in a range of calibers, allowing it to adapt to military, law enforcement, and civilian needs. Its combination of mechanical reliability, robust construction, and accurate performance quickly earned it a legendary status among soldiers, lawmen, and frontier settlers alike. The Colt Single Action Army has evolved through several distinct generations, each reflecting changes in design, manufacturing methods, and market demand. The First Generation (1873–1941) consisted of the original military and civilian models, noted for their hand-fitted parts, crisp action, and classic finishes. The Second Generation (1956–1974), produced after Colt’s factory reorganization, introduced modern materials and slight dimensional refinements while retaining the traditional appearance and single-action mechanics. The Third Generation (1976–present) saw a broader expansion into commemorative and custom models, including factory-engraved editions, varying calibers, and specialized finishes, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts. Each generation maintained the revolver’s iconic silhouette and single-action operation while improving consistency, durability, and aesthetic options. Today, the Colt Single Action Army remains not only a historically significant firearm but also a symbol of American heritage, with examples from every generation valued for their mechanical excellence, cultural importance, and collectible appeal.
Contents:
Caliber: .45 Colt
Finish: Blue Patina
Barrel Length: 5 ½"
Optics/Sights: Integral Blade Front and Frame Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Grips
Action: Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard / The left side of the frame at the patent dates is marked “U.S.” The frame is marked with serial number 41692, while the trigger guard is marked with 120097, and the backstrap is marked 116158 and 65. The cylinder of this revolver is faintly numbered #9743 and the letter “P”. The butt of the grips is stamped “D.F.C.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Single Action Army, famously known as the “Peacemaker,” is one of the most celebrated revolvers in American firearms history, embodying the ruggedness and independence of the American frontier. First introduced in 1873 by Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company, the Single Action Army was originally chambered in .45 Colt and designed as a reliable sidearm for the U.S. Army. Built on a solid steel frame with a six-shot cylinder, the revolver utilizes a single-action mechanism, requiring the hammer to be manually cocked before each shot. Early models featured a simple fixed front sight with a rear notch, ensuring durability and ease of use in field conditions. Over time, Colt produced the revolver in multiple barrel lengths, from compact 4.75-inch models to 7.5-inch “Artillery” versions, as well as in a range of calibers, allowing it to adapt to military, law enforcement, and civilian needs. Its combination of mechanical reliability, robust construction, and accurate performance quickly earned it a legendary status among soldiers, lawmen, and frontier settlers alike. The Colt Single Action Army has evolved through several distinct generations, each reflecting changes in design, manufacturing methods, and market demand. The First Generation (1873–1941) consisted of the original military and civilian models, noted for their hand-fitted parts, crisp action, and classic finishes. The Second Generation (1956–1974), produced after Colt’s factory reorganization, introduced modern materials and slight dimensional refinements while retaining the traditional appearance and single-action mechanics. The Third Generation (1976–present) saw a broader expansion into commemorative and custom models, including factory-engraved editions, varying calibers, and specialized finishes, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts. Each generation maintained the revolver’s iconic silhouette and single-action operation while improving consistency, durability, and aesthetic options. Today, the Colt Single Action Army remains not only a historically significant firearm but also a symbol of American heritage, with examples from every generation valued for their mechanical excellence, cultural importance, and collectible appeal.
Contents:
This example will ship with the factory Colt letter and all other paperwork as pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
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Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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