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 21, 1887. 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 1/2" barrel length and walnut stocks, as these were considered standard issue for that time period. The records also indicate the subject revolver was returned to the factory for refurbishing. The refurbishing consisted of the replacement of worn parts, exterior refinishing, and reassembly. It is of further interest to note that the majority of the revolvers received during this time frame had 5 1/2" barrels. The revolver was subsequently reshipped to the Commanding Officer at the Springfield Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts, on April 17, 1903.
This Single Action Army also ships with a highly coveted and respected Kopec Letter of Authentication that states The examined Colt U.S. Artillery revolver, serial number 120664, has been authenticated as an original and historically significant firearm composed of parts originating from several U.S. Cavalry revolvers manufactured between 1877 and 1891. The frame, produced in 1887, was originally shipped to the U.S. Government under the inspection of Capt. John G. Butler, while the trigger guard (1883) and backstrap (1884) were inspected by Capt. John E. Greer and Frank Heath, respectively. The cylinder, marked faintly with serial number 7662 and the sub-inspector's initials “RAC” for Rinaldo A. Carr, came from a 1891 Cavalry revolver inspected by Capt. Stanhope E. Blunt. The barrel, partially numbered 3973, traces to a 1877 revolver inspected by Lt. David A. Lyle and sub-inspector John T. Cleveland. The grips, numbered 8591 inside the channel, bear the 1903 “R.A.C.” cartouche of Rinaldo A. Carr, indicating their fitting during the 1903 arsenal alteration period.
This revolver was shipped from the Colt factory a second time on April 17, 1903, following its conversion to the Artillery configuration. Additional factory and inspector marks, including the tiny “K” for Colt employee A. Kind and the unidentified “G” found under the trigger guard and backstrap confirm its authenticity and assembly during the proper production period. Although its serial number does not appear in surviving National Archives records, surrounding numbers correspond to revolvers issued to Troop F, 10th Cavalry—suggesting this example may have served with that regiment during its active duty in the Dakota Territory under Col. V.K. Mizner. The revolver remains in excellent condition, retaining much of its original factory blue and case-color finish, and shows no indication of alteration or fakery, standing as a well-preserved and fully authentic U.S. Artillery Model Colt.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Single Action Army - 1st Generation
Serial: 120664
Date of Manufacture: 1887
Caliber: .45 Colt
Finish: FACTORY Blue and Color Case Hardened Frame and Hammer
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 120664, while the trigger guard is marked with 98095, and the backstrap is marked 114155. The cylinder of this revolver is faintly numbered #7662 with the ordnance sub-inspector's initials "RAC". The barrel of this revolver shows the partial serial #3973 with the partial initials "T.C.", the first letter "J" being obliterated by the second "p" proof mark on this barrel. The grips on this revolver are numbered #8591 within the backstrap channel. The tiny letter "K" stamped at the rear of this revolver's cylinder is the initial of a Mr. A. Kind, who was a Colt employee during this production run in 1890 and 1891. The tiny initial "G" found under the trigger guard and backstrap serial numbers also belongs to one of the previously unidentified Colt employees who worked on these revolvers during the 1880s. The tiny initial "G" found under the trigger guard and backstrap serial numbers also belongs to one of the previously unidentified Colt employees who worked on these revolvers during the 1880s.
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: 120664
Date of Manufacture: 1887
Caliber: .45 Colt
Finish: FACTORY Blue and Color Case Hardened Frame and Hammer
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 120664, while the trigger guard is marked with 98095, and the backstrap is marked 114155. The cylinder of this revolver is faintly numbered #7662 with the ordnance sub-inspector's initials "RAC". The barrel of this revolver shows the partial serial #3973 with the partial initials "T.C.", the first letter "J" being obliterated by the second "p" proof mark on this barrel. The grips on this revolver are numbered #8591 within the backstrap channel. The tiny letter "K" stamped at the rear of this revolver's cylinder is the initial of a Mr. A. Kind, who was a Colt employee during this production run in 1890 and 1891. The tiny initial "G" found under the trigger guard and backstrap serial numbers also belongs to one of the previously unidentified Colt employees who worked on these revolvers during the 1880s. The tiny initial "G" found under the trigger guard and backstrap serial numbers also belongs to one of the previously unidentified Colt employees who worked on these revolvers during the 1880s.
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 AMAZINGLY Original 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 Kopec letter 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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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.
