Welcome to at present’s Picture of the Day! This remarkably early Colt SAA represents the beginning 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. navy 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 referred to as this gun “the Single Motion Military discovery of the last decade” when it emerged in 1991. In contrast to the standardized .45 Lengthy Colt caliber most SAAs used, this revolver is chambered for .44 S&W American – a transitional cartridge that reveals Colt was nonetheless determining their design. The barrel options “achieve twist” rifling (a carryover from percussion revolver days) and a flawless roll-die stamped tackle. The 2-line patent marking on the body seems on fewer than 25 recognized SAAs. The ejector housing makes use of an early design with out the strengthening stud that will quickly change into customary. Even the loading gate reveals first-style manufacturing with solely slight beveling. Maybe most exceptional is the included bullet mould – a factory-modified .36 caliber percussion mould rechambered for .44 S&W American. Based on knowledgeable Robin Rapley, that is the one recognized instance of this particular mould. The revolver traces again to John Francis Ahern who died in 1924, passing by way of a number of generations of his household in Utah earlier than rising at a gun present in 1991. Household lore suggests Ahern could have acquired it by way of a “bar debt” – a becoming origin story for a chunk 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
