Welcome to at this time’s Photo of the Day! This remarkably early Colt SAA represents the delivery of what would grow to be America’s most iconic handgun. Made in 1873 with serial quantity 14, it’s among the many first business manufacturing Colts ever assembled, predating even the well-known U.S. army contracts. What makes this revolver extraordinary past its early serial quantity is the “pinched body” rear sight – a function discovered on fewer than 100 weapons, principally beneath serial quantity 200. Colt professional Ron Graham known as this gun “the Single Motion Military discovery of the last decade” when it emerged in 1991. In contrast to the standardized .45 Lengthy Colt caliber most SAAs used, this revolver is chambered for .44 S&W American – a transitional cartridge that reveals Colt was nonetheless determining their design. The barrel options “acquire twist” rifling (a carryover from percussion revolver days) and a flawless roll-die stamped handle. The 2-line patent marking on the body seems on fewer than 25 identified SAAs. The ejector housing makes use of an early design with out the strengthening stud that may quickly grow to be normal. Even the loading gate reveals first-style manufacturing with solely slight beveling. Maybe most outstanding is the included bullet mildew – a factory-modified .36 caliber percussion mildew rechambered for .44 S&W American. In line with professional Robin Rapley, that is the one identified instance of this particular mildew. The revolver traces again to John Francis Ahern who died in 1924, passing by way of a number of generations of his household in Utah earlier than rising at a gun present in 1991. Household lore suggests Ahern could have acquired it by way of a “bar debt” – a becoming origin story for a bit of the American West’s most legendary firearm.
“Colt Pinched Body Single Motion Military .44 S&W American Revolver.” Rock Island Public sale Firm, https://www.rockislandauction.com/element/4094/1089/colt-pinched-frame-single-action-army-44-sw-american-revolver. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025
Author | TheFirearmBlog
Author | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Previous soul, licensed gunsmith, printed writer, avid firearm historical past learner, and appreciator of outdated and distinctive weapons.
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