Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this STUNNING single-action army today for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Single Action Army, Class “C” Factory Colt Engraved, which was for the 1978 COLT SALESMAN OF THE YEAR!
This example remains New Old Stock, showing no evidence of consumer use or handling whatsoever.
According to the Colt Factory Letter, this example (99854SA) was Factory Engraved with Class “C” Scroll Engraving and was awarded to the Colt Salesman of the Year for 1978. Additionally, this revolver was shipped to the historic John Jovino Company, 5 Centre Market Place, on October 28th, 1983. Opportunities to acquire a factory-engraved Colt tied directly to Colt’s own internal achievements are exceedingly rare, and pieces awarded to top-performing Colt personnel represent some of the most meaningful and coveted artifacts of the company’s legacy. This revolver is more than a beautifully engraved Single Action Army—it is a tangible piece of Colt Factory History, preserved from a moment when Colt celebrated excellence within its own ranks. For the unique collector, this is a remarkable and seldom-seen chance to own a truly significant factory-documented Colt with unmatched historical pedigree.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Single Action Army - Third Generation / 3rd Gen
Serial: 99854SA
Date of Manufacture: 1978 (Shipped October 28th, 1983 According to the Colt Factory Letter)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 4.75"
Optics/Sights: Frame Notched Rear w/ Fixed Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Two-Piece Grips
Action: Single-Action
Markings: Standard / Class “C” Factory Colt Scroll Engraving / “COLT SALESMAN OF THE YEAR 1978” Engraved on the Backstrap
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Single Action Army handgun is a single action revolver designed for the US government service revolver trials of 1873 by Colt’s Manufacturing Company and adopted as the standard military service revolver until 1892. Although the SAA has been offered in over 30 different calibers and various barrel lengths, its overall appearance has remained consistent since 1873. Colt has discontinued its production twice, but brought it back due to excessive demand.
Model: Single Action Army - Third Generation / 3rd Gen
Serial: 99854SA
Date of Manufacture: 1978 (Shipped October 28th, 1983 According to the Colt Factory Letter)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 4.75"
Optics/Sights: Frame Notched Rear w/ Fixed Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Two-Piece Grips
Action: Single-Action
Markings: Standard / Class “C” Factory Colt Scroll Engraving / “COLT SALESMAN OF THE YEAR 1978” Engraved on the Backstrap
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Single Action Army handgun is a single action revolver designed for the US government service revolver trials of 1873 by Colt’s Manufacturing Company and adopted as the standard military service revolver until 1892. Although the SAA has been offered in over 30 different calibers and various barrel lengths, its overall appearance has remained consistent since 1873. Colt has discontinued its production twice, but brought it back due to excessive demand.
This Third Generation Colt Single Action Army, engraved to Colt Factory Class “C” Scroll standards, represents one of the highest expressions of the company’s post-war custom engraving program. During the 1970s, Colt deliberately revived the art of hand-cut engraving in the Custom Shop, drawing directly from 19th-century Colt scroll traditions rooted in the Cuno Helfricht and Nimschke schools. Class “C” engraving was defined by approximately 75% coverage, balanced across the frame, cylinder, barrel flats, and grip straps, with deeply executed scroll, delicate shading cuts, and carefully maintained negative space. On Third Generation SAAs, this level of engraving was applied only by Colt-certified Master Engravers, making each example both a functional revolver and a work of American decorative art. The inscription recognizing the 1978 Colt Salesman of the Year adds a unique dimension of historical and corporate provenance. Colt regularly honored top salesmen with engraved firearms, but these were not mass-produced commemoratives; they were individually ordered presentation pieces, documented in factory records and often delivered directly to the recipient. Such awards celebrated not only performance but also service within the Colt organization, making them meaningful artifacts within the company’s own narrative. A factory-engraved presentation revolver, tied to a dated and documented achievement, stands apart from ordinary engraved Colts because its purpose and ownership are known and significant, not speculative. This example embodies the aesthetic and legacy appeal that makes engraved SAAs among the most collectible Colt firearms. The Class “C” scroll execution, the Third Generation manufacturing period, and the factory-documented presentation purpose align to create a revolver that is valued not only for craftsmanship but also for its place in Colt’s internal history. Presentation Colts of this nature retain strong collector appeal due to their rarity, artistry, and verifiable provenance, and they continue to represent the enduring prestige of the Single Action Army as both a cultural icon and a canvas for master engraving.
Contents:
This example will ship with the Factory-Original Colt Custom Shop box, paperwork, and everything pictured above! This example remains New Old Stock, showing no evidence of consumer use or handling whatsoever.
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
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
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
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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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.
