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 February 5, 1887.
According to a letter from Springfield Research Service and the U.S. Ordnance Department records, Colt Single Action Army revolver serial number 119769 was issued to the U.S. Post Office Department and used between approximately 1888 and November 1890. During this period, such revolvers were provided to postal workers traveling on trains to protect against strikers and train robbers. Revolver no. 119769 was specifically referenced in a memorandum dated November 11, 1890, from the Post Office Department to the Ordnance Department, listing 205 revolvers along with accompanying equipment and ammunition being returned. This information was located in the “Letters Received” files of the Office of the Chief of Ordnance, preserved in the National Archives under Record Group 156, Entry 21, file no. 6631 (1890). No further details are available regarding the subsequent use or final disposition of this revolver.
According to our research, the Colt Single Action Army revolvers issued to the U.S. Post Office’s Railway Mail Service represent a fascinating and rare chapter in American arms history. A total of 229 Cavalry revolvers were originally provided to the Post Office Department to arm railway postal clerks working the dangerous routes between Omaha, Nebraska, and Ogden, Utah. Postmaster General William P. Silas requested these firearms to protect both ordinary and registered mail from frequent robberies that plagued trains traveling through lawless regions of the West. These revolvers served a specialized federal role, illustrating how vital armed postal clerks were to the safe and secure operation of the nation’s mail system during a turbulent era.
Of the 229 revolvers originally issued, only 15 are known to survive in collections today, making them exceedingly scarce and highly prized among collectors. Additionally, 18 of the original Railway Mail Service revolvers were later refurbished and converted into Artillery models during the Spanish-American War, as reflected in surviving examples recorded by serial number. The historical record indicates that many more of these revolvers may have been altered into an Artillery configuration, though documentation remains incomplete. Their unique service history, combined with their limited survival rate, makes the Railway Mail Service revolvers among the most distinctive and historically significant examples of U.S. Government-issue Colt Single Action Army revolvers.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Single Action Army - 1st Generation
Serial: 119769
Date of Manufacture: 1887
Caliber: .45 Colt
Finish: Blue
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 “D.C.F.” above the serial number 119769, while the trigger guard is marked with 92682, and the backstrap is marked 119501. The cylinder is stamped “7955” and “H.N.” The bottom of the barrel is stamped with “P” and “R.A.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:
Model: Single Action Army - 1st Generation
Serial: 119769
Date of Manufacture: 1887
Caliber: .45 Colt
Finish: Blue
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 “D.C.F.” above the serial number 119769, while the trigger guard is marked with 92682, and the backstrap is marked 119501. The cylinder is stamped “7955” and “H.N.” The bottom of the barrel is stamped with “P” and “R.A.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 is in Superb overall condition, showing far less evidence of use than normal for its age and history. Additionally, it 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
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
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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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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
