Colt Single Action Army .38 Colt Revolver

COLT SAA 1901 FACTORY LETTERED .44-40 / .38 COLT Manufacturer: Colt Model: Single Action Army (SAA) Caliber: Originally .44-40 (Factory) / Currently .38 Colt (Re-barreled) Action: Single Action Revolver Barrel Length: 4.75" (Current) / 5.5" Factory Lettered Finish: Refinished (Re-Blue & Re-Case Hardened) Grips: Two-Piece Stag Offered is a Colt Single Action Army revolver manufactured in 1901, accompanied by a Colt factory letter confirming its original configuration and shipment details—adding significant historical and collector value. Factory Letter Details (Colt Archive) picture of letter but no physical copy. Easily obtained from Colt Archives. • Serial Number: 212663 • Original Caliber: .44-40 • Original Barrel Length: 5.5" • Finish: Blue • Stocks: Not Listed • Shipped To: Simmons Hardware Co., St. Louis, Missouri • Date of Shipment: August 1, 1901 • Shipment Quantity: 1 of 18 guns This documentation firmly anchors the revolver in the early 20th-century Colt production era, with a desirable and well-documented distribution history. Current Configuration The revolver has been professionally reworked, now featuring: • Re-barreled to .38 Colt • Current 4.75" barrel (classic “gunfighter” length) • Refinished metal surfaces (re-blue and vivid case colors) • Polished hammer • Upgraded stag grips Condition Summary Finish: Approx. 97% refinish; strong blue and vivid case colors Grips: Excellent stag grips; attractive and well fitted Bore: Bright with strong rifling Markings: Sharp and legible Mechanical: Crisp action; functions properly Overall: Excellent refinished shooter-grade antique with strong presentation Notable Highlights • Factory lettered Colt SAA Picture of Letter...We do not have the physical copy but on can easily be attained from Colt Archives. • 1901 production (pre-WWI antique) • Documented shipment to Simmons Hardware Co. • Professionally refinished with strong visual appeal • Upgraded stag grips enhance presentation • Desirable 4.75" configuration Important Collector Notes While the revolver retains its factory letter and matching frame serial, the following impact collector value: • Caliber change from .44-40 to .38 Colt • Barrel length change (5.5" ? 4.75") • Refinished surfaces As such, this piece is best categorized as a “lettered but altered” Colt SAA, which still carries strong value due to documentation but does not command original-condition premiums. Collectability • Factory letter significantly enhances value • Early 1900s Colt SAA production • Alterations shift it toward high-end shooter / entry collector tier Collectability: Moderate (historical + altered condition) Estimated Auction Hammer Range $2,400 – $3,100 Serial Number: 212663