Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this RARE single-action army revolver today for auction; this is the Colt Single Action Army 1st Generation!
According to our research, this First Generation Colt Single Action Army appears to be a possible factory serial-number mis-stamp. While this cannot be proven with absolute certainty, the evidence strongly suggests the irregularity may have originated at Colt rather than after production. The revolver appears correct throughout, with matching age, fit, finish, and assembly characteristics, and the numbers that do match appear to have been applied with the same factory-style stamp on both the frame and grip straps. Most notably, the accompanying Colt Factory Archive Letter reportedly indicates that Colt’s records contain a second listing for the serial number, adding significant interest to this already unusual example. Collector discussion on Colt Forum also notes that these factory errors are known to have occurred, though they are difficult to prove conclusively, making this revolver a particularly intriguing and highly collectible First Generation SAA anomaly.
According to the Factory Colt Archives Letter, this First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver, serial number 196233, was originally shipped in .38/40 caliber with a 5 1/2" barrel and blue finish, with the type of stocks not listed. The revolver was shipped to Simmons Hardware Company of St. Louis, Missouri on May 24, 1900, as part of a shipment of 10 guns of the same type. Most notably, the remarks section of the letter states that Colt’s records also contain a second listing for this same serial number, describing a .38/40 caliber revolver with a 4 3/4" barrel and blue finish, shipped to the same company on June 14, 1900, in a shipment of 13 guns.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Single Action Army - First Generation
Serial: 196333 (Frame) - 196233 (Straps & Butt)
Date of Manufacture: 1900
Caliber: .38 Winchester Center Fire
Finish: Originally Blued / Case Color Hardened - Slight Patina
Barrel Length: 5.5"
Optics/Sights: Frame Notched Rear w/ Fixed Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Synthetic Checkered Colt Two-Piece Grips
Action: Single-Action
Markings: This example features Factory (Most Likely) “mis-stamped” serial numbers. The butt and trigger guard are stamped “196233” and the frame is stamped “196333”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Single Action Army, also known as the SAA, Model P, Peacemaker, or M1873, is a type of single-action revolver handgun. It was designed by Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company (now known as Colt's Manufacturing Company) for the U.S. government service revolver trials in 1872. The revolver was adopted as the standard-issued pistol of the U.S. Army from 1873 to 1892. The Colt SAA has been produced in over 30 different calibers and various barrel lengths. Its overall appearance has remained consistent since 1873. Although Colt has stopped production twice, it was later resumed due to popular demand. The revolver earned the nickname "Peacemaker" and has become an iconic symbol of Americana and the American Wild West era. It was widely used by ranchers, lawmen, and outlaws. Nowadays, it's mainly bought as a collectible item by enthusiasts and re-enactors. Its design has also influenced the production of numerous other models from other companies. The Colt Single Action Army was made available in three standard barrel lengths: 4 3/4 inch, 5 1/2 inch, and 7 1/2 inch (known as the Cavalry standard). The shorter barrel revolvers were referred to as the "Civilian" or "Gunfighter" model (4 3/4 inch) and the Artillery Model (5 1/2 inch). There was also a variant with a sub-4-inch barrel, without an ejector rod, which was informally called the "Sheriff's Model", "Banker's Special", or "Storekeeper". In 1896, at serial number 164,100, a spring-loaded base pin latch replaced the cylinder pin retaining screw. By 1900, at serial number 192,000, the Colt Single Action was certified for use with smokeless powder. In 1920, larger, highly visible sights replaced the original thin blade and notch. The revolvers remained essentially unchanged from that point until the beginning of World War II. From 1873 through 1940, Colt produced 357,859 Single Action Army revolvers (including small numbers assembled during and after World War II, which are known as the "Pre-War, Post-War" model). This is referred to as the "Pre War" or "First Generation" of the model. The calibers ranged from .22 rimfire to .476 Eley, with around half, or 158,884 (including Bisley and Flat Top Target variations), chambered for .45 Colt. The next most prevalent calibers were the .44-40 Winchester Centerfire (WCF) at 71,392, 38-40 at 50,520, .32-20 Winchester at 43,284, and the 41 Colt at 19,676.
Contents:
Model: Single Action Army - First Generation
Serial: 196333 (Frame) - 196233 (Straps & Butt)
Date of Manufacture: 1900
Caliber: .38 Winchester Center Fire
Finish: Originally Blued / Case Color Hardened - Slight Patina
Barrel Length: 5.5"
Optics/Sights: Frame Notched Rear w/ Fixed Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Synthetic Checkered Colt Two-Piece Grips
Action: Single-Action
Markings: This example features Factory (Most Likely) “mis-stamped” serial numbers. The butt and trigger guard are stamped “196233” and the frame is stamped “196333”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Single Action Army, also known as the SAA, Model P, Peacemaker, or M1873, is a type of single-action revolver handgun. It was designed by Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company (now known as Colt's Manufacturing Company) for the U.S. government service revolver trials in 1872. The revolver was adopted as the standard-issued pistol of the U.S. Army from 1873 to 1892. The Colt SAA has been produced in over 30 different calibers and various barrel lengths. Its overall appearance has remained consistent since 1873. Although Colt has stopped production twice, it was later resumed due to popular demand. The revolver earned the nickname "Peacemaker" and has become an iconic symbol of Americana and the American Wild West era. It was widely used by ranchers, lawmen, and outlaws. Nowadays, it's mainly bought as a collectible item by enthusiasts and re-enactors. Its design has also influenced the production of numerous other models from other companies. The Colt Single Action Army was made available in three standard barrel lengths: 4 3/4 inch, 5 1/2 inch, and 7 1/2 inch (known as the Cavalry standard). The shorter barrel revolvers were referred to as the "Civilian" or "Gunfighter" model (4 3/4 inch) and the Artillery Model (5 1/2 inch). There was also a variant with a sub-4-inch barrel, without an ejector rod, which was informally called the "Sheriff's Model", "Banker's Special", or "Storekeeper". In 1896, at serial number 164,100, a spring-loaded base pin latch replaced the cylinder pin retaining screw. By 1900, at serial number 192,000, the Colt Single Action was certified for use with smokeless powder. In 1920, larger, highly visible sights replaced the original thin blade and notch. The revolvers remained essentially unchanged from that point until the beginning of World War II. From 1873 through 1940, Colt produced 357,859 Single Action Army revolvers (including small numbers assembled during and after World War II, which are known as the "Pre-War, Post-War" model). This is referred to as the "Pre War" or "First Generation" of the model. The calibers ranged from .22 rimfire to .476 Eley, with around half, or 158,884 (including Bisley and Flat Top Target variations), chambered for .45 Colt. The next most prevalent calibers were the .44-40 Winchester Centerfire (WCF) at 71,392, 38-40 at 50,520, .32-20 Winchester at 43,284, and the 41 Colt at 19,676.
Contents:
This example will ship with the Factory Colt Archives Letter.
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.
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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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. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1218092250 |
BidPrice: |
4999.99 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-11-15 22:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
0 |
