Rare Colt Frontier Single Action Army, .44-40, Mint Bore, Manufactured 1894

Colt Revolver – Single Action Army

Manufactured: 1894 – Caliber: .44-40 – Feature: Original nickel finish

History

The Colt Single Action Army (SAA)—also known as the Colt Peacemaker or Frontier Six Shooter, depending on the caliber—remains one of the most iconic revolvers in American history. A true symbol of the conquest of the West and the famous gunfights of the frontier era, it embodies the spirit of the Old West. Introduced in 1873, this model marked a revolution in Colt’s firearms production: it was the firm's first solid-frame revolver designed to fire centerfire, black-powder metallic cartridges. Its ruggedness, mechanical simplicity, and exceptional reliability quickly made it the weapon of choice for soldiers, sheriffs, cowboys, and pioneers. Easy to disassemble, maintain, and handle, the Colt SAA was produced in a multitude of versions, calibers, and finishes to meet both civilian and military demands.

Today, it remains an essential icon of 19th-century American firearms. Specimens manufactured before 1900 are considered historical arms and fall under Category D classification, available for purchase by adults without a special permit.

Our Model

This Colt Single Action Army—specifically the Frontier Six Shooter model in .44-40 Western caliber—is in exceptional condition.

It is a rare version featuring its original nickel finish, which remains nearly 100% intact, showing only slight signs of age and use. The cylinder, with its edges remaining crisp and sharp, attests that no restoration or excessive polishing has taken place, thereby confirming the authenticity of the period finish. This specimen is one of the 1,522 revolvers produced in 1894 in this caliber. The markings are crisp and entirely correct—notably the famous Colt "prancing pony," which remains finely engraved, serving as further proof that the weapon has retained its original condition. The serial number (150XXX), found on all major components, confirms a date of manufacture of 1890. The pristine screw heads bear witness to the care and respect shown to this firearm by its previous owners. The gutta-percha grips—in excellent condition and perfectly fitted—harmoniously complete this prestigious piece.

Mechanically, the revolver is in perfect working order, with no play or excessive cylinder gap. The four characteristic "clicks" of the Colt Single Action are crisp and distinct. Indexing is precise, the action is smooth, and the trigger pull is light. The front sight has been slightly reduced by a former owner—likely a discerning shooter—a modification frequently encountered on such pieces. The 4¾-inch barrel, chambered in .44-40, features a mirror-like bore with sharp, deep rifling and only slight signs of use that do not affect accuracy.

This Colt Single Action Army "Frontier Six Shooter"—an authentic artifact of the conquest of the American West and a testament to Colt’s manufacturing excellence—is a highly desirable addition to any collection of historic American firearms.

Category D firearm; sold without restriction, accompanied by a classification certificate issued by the Saint-Étienne National Proof House.