Just examined and cleaned what I believe to be a 1st Gen Colt SAA in 44 WCF. It had only three serial, #2xx, and its nickel is badly worn off. The barrel has some pitting as does the cylinder. Despite this, the lands seem sharp.
What leads me to believe that this is a 1st Gen is the Base Pin & the Cylinder Pivot Pin. The Base Pin does not use a spring (unlike the 2nd or 3rd Gen) and the Cylinder (Pivot) Pin was not turned all the way such that it could be inserted in any manner. Rather, it has only one portion scalloped out which the Base Pin secures against to keep it from working loose.
The gun needs some work. The barrel cylinder gap is huge (I'd say about .025-.030). The Ejector Rod Housing needs to be fitted better (original) because it binds the Cylinder Pin from easy withdrawl. New stocks are needed as the old ones are shot (and don't appear original anyhow).
Everything else on the gun seems fine and there is no external rust or pitting.
Never mind about the value. I've been thinking about the gun this morning and it dawned on me the rough framework (and another feature) which cannot be that of Colt. The gun is probably a Spanish copy.
[Edited by 4V50 Gary on 12-05-2000 at 09:19 AM]
What leads me to believe that this is a 1st Gen is the Base Pin & the Cylinder Pivot Pin. The Base Pin does not use a spring (unlike the 2nd or 3rd Gen) and the Cylinder (Pivot) Pin was not turned all the way such that it could be inserted in any manner. Rather, it has only one portion scalloped out which the Base Pin secures against to keep it from working loose.
The gun needs some work. The barrel cylinder gap is huge (I'd say about .025-.030). The Ejector Rod Housing needs to be fitted better (original) because it binds the Cylinder Pin from easy withdrawl. New stocks are needed as the old ones are shot (and don't appear original anyhow).
Everything else on the gun seems fine and there is no external rust or pitting.
Never mind about the value. I've been thinking about the gun this morning and it dawned on me the rough framework (and another feature) which cannot be that of Colt. The gun is probably a Spanish copy.
[Edited by 4V50 Gary on 12-05-2000 at 09:19 AM]