Colt SAA 1921 vintage

[jdh]

Colt guys can you enlighten me on a SAA with a 342nnn serial number, 4 5/8" barrel, U S stamped, three patent dates in two lines, COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45 on the right side of the barrel, no other visible markings?

TIA

 

[Coyote3855]

Interesting SAA. I assume the U.S. stamp is on the left side of the frame and that the frame has the serial number stamped just ahead of the trigger guard?

Can you post clear pictures of the U.S. stamp? I'm not a Colt SAA expert by any means. The only Colts I am aware of with a U.S. stamp are either the 7.5 inch barreled Cavalry Models or the reworked "Artillery Models" with 5.5 inch barrels.

A Colt made in 1921 would not fit either of those scenarios.

Either you have a unicorn of great value, or someone stamped the U.S. and you have a great shooter.

 

[Dave T]

The barrel length is incorrect as Colt's have always been offered with 4-3/4" barrels - 5-1/2" and 7-1/2" being the other standard barrel lengths. Also the US stamp is incorrect for that serial number range. Sad to say I think the gun you are looking at has been "messed with". That said if you can get it for a reasonable price it could be a dandy shooter.

Dave

 

[jdh]

Interesting SAA. I assume the U.S. stamp is on the left side of the frame and that the frame has the serial number stamped just ahead of the trigger guard?

Correct. There is no serial number on the trigger guard.

Can you post clear pictures of the U.S. stamp? I'm not a Colt SAA expert by any means. The only Colts I am aware of with a U.S. stamp are either the 7.5 inch barreled Cavalry Models or the reworked "Artillery Models" with 5.5 inch barrels.

A Colt made in 1921 would not fit either of those scenarios.

Confusion is a normal state of affairs for me. This conundrum is enhancing that state.

Either you have a unicorn of great value, or someone stamped the U.S. and you have a great shooter.

A question worth resolving prior to a trip to the range.

 

[jdh]

The barrel length is incorrect as Colt's have always been offered with 4-3/4" barrels - 5-1/2" and 7-1/2" being the other standard barrel lengths. Also the US stamp is incorrect for that serial number range. Sad to say I think the gun you are looking at has been "messed with". That said if you can get it for a reasonable price it could be a dandy shooter.

Dave

Please see the second photo above.

The offer I made was based on the assumption it was a parts gun. The offer was accepted.

 

[Coyote3855]

Thanks for posting additional information and pictures. It's a good looking revolver. I've handled a few original Colt SAAs with US stamps. Yours appears to be hand stamped by a previous owner for reasons unknown. Without question it did not come from the factory with that stamp. Legit US SAAs will also have multiple inspector stamps. A nice gun regardless. Enjoy it.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Please see the second photo above.

The offer I made was based on the assumption it was a parts gun. The offer was accepted.

I would shoot that bad boy and enjoy it! It’s still a old Colt and very COOL!