POTD: Colt SAA #14 – The Holy Grail of First Year Production

Welcome to at the moment’s Photo of the Day! This remarkably early Colt SAA represents the delivery of what would change into 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 characteristic discovered on fewer than 100 weapons, largely beneath serial quantity 200. Colt knowledgeable Ron Graham known as this gun “the Single Motion Military discovery of the last decade” when it emerged in 1991. Not like the standardized .45 Lengthy Colt caliber most SAAs used, this revolver is chambered for .44 S&W American – a transitional cartridge that exhibits Colt was nonetheless determining their design. The barrel options “achieve 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 will quickly change into commonplace. Even the loading gate exhibits first-style manufacturing with solely slight beveling. Maybe most exceptional is the included bullet mildew – a factory-modified .36 caliber percussion mildew rechambered for .44 S&W American. In response to knowledgeable 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 a number of generations of his household in Utah earlier than rising at a gun present in 1991. Household lore suggests Ahern might have acquired it by 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

Sam.S

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Author | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Previous soul, licensed gunsmith, revealed writer, avid firearm historical past learner, and appreciator of previous and distinctive weapons.