Impressive Colt US Army SAA Artillery .45 caliber Peacemaker

In 1873, the US Army made the right choice when it selected the Colt Single Action Army revolver as its standard-issue weapon after the Civil War. This weapon would become synonymous with the blue uniforms of the US cavalry throughout the Plains War, the Battle of Little Bighorn, and the Frontier. The US Army chose the .45 caliber for its power and ordered more than 37,000 of them. The Colt SAA 1873, or Peacemaker, was the first model developed by the Colt company to use a centerfire metallic cartridge. Easy to use, maintain, and disassemble, it is the quintessential Western revolver. Military models are distinguished by their "US" markings and the marks of the inspectors who certified their quality. Colt Artillery revolvers have shortened barrels and underwent a process in a workshop where the concern for reassembling the weapon with the same serial numbers was not a concern. It is therefore normal to find different serial numbers on the weapon, and the one on the main body is considered the "official" serial number. Among American collectible firearms for sale, the Colt Peacemaker is the most prestigious. Colt Single Action Army revolvers manufactured before 1900 are classified as Category D.

COLT US Army with numerous military markings

This collectible Colt revolver is in exceptional condition. The metal parts are free of corrosion. The frame retains its case hardening, and the barrel and cylinder have their original color. The Colt manufacturer's markings are clearly visible, the serial numbers are consistent with an "artillery" weapon, and the serial number 3XXX on the frame dates this firearm to the first year of production, 1874. This weapon features various markings from military inspectors on the frame, cylinder, and even the cartridges on the wooden grip, which is quite rare due to the frequent wear of markings on wood. The famous "US" marking is in its correct position and clearly visible. The revolver functions perfectly, with no play, excellent cocking thanks to the four clicks typical of this model, smooth cylinder indexing, a near-mirror-like bore, and a powerful firing pin. The wooden grip with its markings is the standard US Army grip. This first-generation Colt SAA revolver is a beautiful piece of 19th-century American military history and a fine black powder collector's item in perfect working order.