Colt Single Action Army 1873 Revolver, .38-40 WCF caliber

Colt Revolver – Single Action Army Model 1873

Manufacture: 1882 – Caliber: .38-40 WCF – Barrel: 5½" – Feature: Early production, all-matching serial numbers

A collectible, all-matching-serial-number Colt Single Action Army manufactured in 1882, featuring the early configuration with a 5½-inch barrel and walnut grip. It is an authentic black-powder collector's piece from the era of the conquest of the American West.

History

The Colt Single Action Army (SAA) revolver—or Colt Peacemaker—is arguably the most iconic weapon in the history of the American West, a true symbol of the conquest of the Frontier. Introduced in 1873, it was the first solid-frame revolver developed by Colt to use centerfire metallic cartridges. The initial versions, chambered in .45 Colt (or .45 Long Colt) with a 7½-inch barrel, quickly became the standard. To meet growing demand, Colt soon diversified its offerings, introducing calibers compatible with long guns, such as the .44-40 and .38-40. Models with shorter 5½-inch and 4¾-inch barrels—which were easier to handle—also gained popularity, becoming particular favorites among cowboys during the legendary gunfights of the Frontier.

Our Model

This Colt Single Action Army features an elegant early configuration with its 5½-inch barrel and original walnut grip. The metal components have developed a beautiful, light "gunmetal" patina that is perfectly uniform and free of corrosion. The Colt markings are perfectly legible, attesting to a well-preserved condition without restoration. The Colt address is stamped on a single line, a characteristic feature of 5½-inch barrels. It also bears a .44-40 caliber marking, even though the weapon is chambered for .38-40 WCF. This anomaly may indicate an early conversion or a factory-level reuse of parts. The revolver is all-matching, with serial number 80XXX appearing on the frame, trigger guard, and butt, confirming manufacture in 1882. The varnished walnut grip is in excellent condition and fits the frame perfectly.

Mechanically, this Colt is outstanding: it features four distinct "Colt" clicks, crisp cocking, precise indexing, firm lock-up, a strong hammer strike, and absolutely no play or cylinder gap. Its 5½-inch barrel—chambered in .38-40 WCF (.38 Winchester Center Fire)—has a bright bore with deep, well-defined rifling, showing only minor signs of use consistent with its age.

An early-production Colt Single Action Army revolver, representative of the iconic black-powder handguns of the American West.

The weapon is sold with its classification certificate designating it as a Category D historical firearm, issued by the Saint-Étienne National Proof House.