Colt Single Action Army

S

SUNYMC

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I have what I believe to be a Colt Single Action Army revolver. It matches photographs posted on the internet. The barrel is 5 1/2", 11" overall, 6 shot. The only markings are 45 cal, ser. 78643, patents:Sept 19, 1871, Jul 2-72, Jul 19-75. I don't understand why there is no Colt name stamped anywhere. Is this unusual? Any ideas on how I can make a positive identification?

Bob
 
Sounds like you have an "artillery model" 5.5 barrel Colt SAA. With that serial, it is also a 1st generation gun made in approx 1882. Post some pics here for more info. It should have Colt somewhere on it with the pony but I'm not an expert on these SAAs aka Model Ps aka peacemakers aka 1873s.
 
I believe it should also have a .U.S. marking on the frame near the patent dates - IF it is a true Artillery model. Most Artillery models were "officially" cut down Cavalrys (7-1/2"). If it's a good condition, unmolested Artillery we're talking considerably more than any $2,000. Without the U.S. and other corroborating markings, as a previous poster said, could be anything. I'm not familiar with Italian copy (Uberti, etc) serial numbers, but look underneath the barrel.where Uberti (etc) would be marked--often missed with casual observation. By law, they can't call a non-Colt a Colt, so that word and the pony could not be there (the latter wouldbe missing IIRC on the U.S. marked models anyway) but the patent dates are allowed. The better replicas are rather well done and, except for the missing Colt markings, could pass for a "real" SAA. Here is the Cavalry/Artilery marking:
20666_3076_2_lg.jpg

Italian copies of the Artillery/Cavalry models have the U.S. as well, so it's not necessarily a tell-tale it's a Colt.
 
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When dealing with a maybe military issue single action army you best find a reliable expert to look it over. There are way to many repros and outright fake Millitary SAA because of the much higher price the military will get. It is real easy to get ripped off or burned.
 
Really hate to say this but if its a pile of junk its worth some $$$ problay why I dont have one.
 
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