{"product_id":"original-u-s-colt-single-action-army-32-20-w-c-f-revolver-made-in-1895-with-7-1-2-inch-barrel-colt-factory-letter-serial-no-162499","title":"Original U.S. Colt Single Action Army .32-20 W.C.F. Revolver Made in 1895 with 7 1\/2 Inch Barrel \u0026 Colt Factory Letter - Serial No. 162499","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a wonderful original \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFirst Generation Colt Single Action Army revolver\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e chambered in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.32-20 W.C.F.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, manufactured in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1895\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and retaining its full length \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e7 1\/2 inch barrel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, original style hard rubber grips, and matching numbered frame, trigger guard, and backstrap. Even better, the revolver is accompanied by an original Colt factory letter confirming its original caliber, barrel length, blue finish, and October 1895 shipment to Simmons Hardware Company of St. Louis, Missouri.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Colt Single Action Army, often abbreviated SAA and popularly known as the “Peacemaker,” is one of the most recognizable American firearms ever produced. Introduced in 1873 for U.S. military service, it also became enormously popular on the civilian market and remains inseparably associated with ranchers, lawmen, outdoorsmen, and the American West.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis revolver bears serial number:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e162499\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eplacing manufacture in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1895\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe serial number is correctly present on the frame, trigger guard, and backstrap, with all three matching:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e162499\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe barrel and cylinder are not serial numbered, which is correct for a Colt Single Action Army of this period. The loading gate is additionally marked with assembly number:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e274\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe revolver is accompanied by an original Colt factory letter dated \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarch 30, 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, from the office of Colt Historian \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeverly Jean Haynes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, bearing her signature and the Colt raised seal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe factory letter identifies the revolver as a:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCOLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eand records the original configuration as:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaliber: .32\/20\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 7 1\/2\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinish: Blue\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStocks: Not Listed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe letter further records shipment on:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOctober 5, 1895\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eto:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSimmons Hardware Co.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSt. Louis, Missouri\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe shipment consisted of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eone revolver\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe fact that only one gun is recorded in this particular shipment is certainly interesting and makes the factory documentation especially appealing. However, a one gun shipment alone does not necessarily establish that the revolver was a formal factory “special order.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe revolver retains the standard hard rubber grips expected on a commercial Colt of this period. Since the factory letter lists the stocks as “Not Listed,” the present hard rubber grips are entirely consistent with the standard factory configuration, though the letter itself does not document these specific grips.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe top of the full length barrel retains the original single line Colt address:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCOLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CT. U. S. A.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe left side of the frame is marked with the Colt patent dates:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePAT. SEPT. 19. 1871.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJULY. 2.72. JAN. 19.75\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo the right is the Colt \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrancing Pony within a circle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e trademark, introduced during this general production period. The marking is faint but still visible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe left side of the barrel is marked:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e32 W.C.F.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003efor the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.32-20 Winchester Center Fire\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e cartridge.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe .32-20 was originally developed as a rifle cartridge and became particularly popular when revolver manufacturers chambered handguns for the same ammunition. The ability to carry a rifle and revolver using one cartridge was an attractive feature for ranchers, hunters, and other users in areas where ammunition availability could be limited.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe revolver shows the honest wear expected from decades of use. The factory blue finish has largely worn away from the frame and other exposed surfaces, leaving an attractive gray patina. There is general handling and service wear throughout, but no indication in the supplied description of severe pitting or major metal loss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe markings remain relatively clear, which is a positive sign, as aggressive polishing during a past refinish can noticeably soften factory lettering and edges. We see no obvious indication from the present appearance that the revolver has been heavily refinished.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe original style hard rubber grips remain very attractive, retaining their molded checkering and Colt Prancing Pony emblems. They show honest handling wear, along with some minor chipping around the lower edges. Portions have begun developing the brown coloration often seen as old hard rubber ages.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMechanically, the revolver is reported to be in very good working order. The action cycles correctly and produces the expected four clicks, including a functional loading position. Cylinder lockup is solid, with only a small amount of play consistent with age and use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe bore is in good condition overall, remaining partly bright with clearly visible lands and grooves. The rifling shows wear, together with evidence of older oxidation or fouling that has since been cleaned. The ejector housing and rod remain functional, and the loading gate opens normally.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs with any antique firearm of this age, mechanical observations should not be interpreted as a guarantee that it is safe to fire. Inspection by a qualified gunsmith would be appropriate before any consideration of live firing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSimmons Hardware Company\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e of St. Louis was one of the major American hardware distributors of the late 19th and early 20th centuries and handled an enormous assortment of firearms, tools, knives, and sporting goods. A Colt shipped individually to Simmons in 1895 provides excellent period context for the commercial distribution of Single Action Army revolvers during the final years of the American frontier era.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistory of the Colt Single Action Army\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDevelopment of Colt metallic cartridge revolvers had been constrained by the Rollin White patent covering bored through cylinders. Once that patent expired, Colt engineers \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWilliam Mason\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCharles Brinckerhoff Richards\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e were able to develop a new purpose built cartridge revolver for the U.S. military trials of the early 1870s.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe resulting Single Action Army was adopted in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1873\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and initially chambered in .45 Colt. It replaced percussion revolvers such as the Colt Model 1860 Army and became the principal U.S. military handgun until the adoption of the double action Colt Model 1892.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCivilian sales soon became equally important. Colt offered the Single Action Army in numerous barrel lengths, finishes, and calibers, allowing the revolver to serve military personnel, lawmen, ranchers, hunters, target shooters, and ordinary civilians across the United States.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts association with the American West became so strong that the Single Action Army eventually earned the enduring nickname \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“The Gun That Won the West.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Although simplified by popular culture, that reputation reflects the extraordinary longevity and widespread use of the design.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis 1895 example is particularly appealing because it combines the desirable \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e7 1\/2 inch barrel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, .32-20 chambering, matching numbered major components, attractive untouched appearance, and an original Colt factory letter documenting shipment to Simmons Hardware Company in St. Louis. It is a very honest First Generation Single Action Army with the type of natural wear and patina that only more than a century of history can produce.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYear of Manufacture: \u003cstrong\u003e1895\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSerial Number: \u003cstrong\u003e162499\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaliber: \u003cstrong\u003e.32-20 W.C.F.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmmunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 7 1\/2 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Length: 13 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAction: Single Action Revolver\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCapacity: 6 Rounds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFactory Finish: Blue\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFactory Letter Ship Date: \u003cstrong\u003eOctober 5, 1895\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFactory Letter Destination: \u003cstrong\u003eSimmons Hardware Co., St. Louis, Missouri\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44913412866117,"sku":"ONSV26GTGS035","price":3995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV26GTGS035.jpg?v=1777462332","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-colt-single-action-army-32-20-w-c-f-revolver-made-in-1895-with-7-1-2-inch-barrel-colt-factory-letter-serial-no-162499","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}