Colt SAA U.S. Army 1887 .45 Colt – Full Matching – Colt Archive Letter

Colt Single Action Army U.S. Army 1887 – .45 Colt

Manufactured : 1887 – Caliber : .45 Colt – Full Matching – Colt Archive Letter

This U.S. Army Colt Single Action Army is a rare full-matching example, retaining its original matching numbers across its principal components. Its historical interest is further enhanced by its proximity in serial number to an example issued to Troop C, 7th U.S. Cavalry.

History

The Colt Single Action Army Model 1873 was widely adopted by the U.S. Army and issued to cavalry units. During later arsenal refurbishment, many revolvers were disassembled and their components reassembled without matching serial numbers, creating the so-called “mismatching” examples. SAA revolvers retaining their original full matching numbers are consequently particularly sought after by collectors.

Our Model

This U.S. Army revolver is a rare full-matching example, with matching serial numbers on the frame, butt, trigger guard, cylinder and barrel. It belongs to the 11th U.S. Army contract placed with Colt and bears the inspection markings of David F. Clark, D.F.C., found on both the frame and barrel.

According to the reference work of John Kopec, Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers, the closest known serial number to this example, 120822, was issued to Company C, 7th U.S. Cavalry.

The revolver retains an attractive, even light gun-metal finish. Colt and military markings remain clearly visible, although the barrel markings are slightly worn. Serial number 120XXX corresponds to 1887 production. The original grips bear the R.A.C. inspection marking on the underside, consistent with this military configuration.

Mechanically, the revolver is in excellent working condition, with no significant play or cylinder gap. The four characteristic Colt clicks are clearly defined, the hammer cocks firmly, the trigger pull is smooth and the cylinder indexes precisely.

The 5½-inch .45 Colt barrel has a satin-bright bore with sharp, deep rifling and only a few small spots.

The revolver is accompanied by its Colt Archive Letter, confirming its Colt factory history.

This U.S. Army Colt Single Action Army brings together several features of particular interest to collectors: full matching numbers, military inspection, documented proximity to the 7th Cavalry and a Colt Archive Letter.

The revolver is accompanied by its official French Category D classification certificate, issued by the Banc National d'Épreuve de Saint-Étienne.