Colt Single Action Army 1st-Gen King Modified

This Colt Single Action Army 1st Generation is a rare example of a finely modified Single Action Revolver by King Gun Sight Company. King was revered as state–of–the–art for aftermarket modifications to any firearm at the time. Single Actions were not commonly modified. The modifications on this Colt SAA include; King Ramp-Red-Bead-Reflector Front Sight ($5 option), King Mico-metered Adjusting Rear Sight ($10 option), King Cockeyed Hammer ($5 option), King Short Action ($10 option). King would charge an extra $20 for Gunsmithing to install all the listed options. Referencing the included Era correct reproduction King Sight Catalog, the modifications would have totaled $50 over the revolver’s purchase price of $37 at the time it was produced. This Colt SAA dates to 1939 and is chambered in .38 Special. 

This 1st Generation Colt SAA is fitted with a 5.5-inch barrel and wears period correct black hard rubber grips. The Cylinder, Barrel, Trigger assembly are all finished in blue, with a case-colored frame and loading gate all showing in terrific condition. Some light handling marks and high edge silvering can be seen throughout along with a turn line on the cylinder.

The left side roll marks show deep and crisp. The barrel displays “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .38 SPECIAL”. The frame under the cylinder displays a stacked patent mark “PAT. SEPT.19, 1871 JULY 2, 27. JAN. 19, 75” next to the rampant Colt. The topside of the barrel reads Colt’s address and Patent “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The trigger guards left bow shows the triangular “VP” cartouche below a “4”. “KING PAT. PEND.” on the left side of the rear sight, and KING COCKEYED HAMMER” on the left side of the hammer spur. The front sight shows the King Patent marks on the right side. The loading gate bin number “936” can be seen on the inside surface, and a matched “17” on the cylinder face to the last two digits of the serial number. No additional markings on the right side. The serial number is located on the frame in front of the trigger guard and reads “357217”. 

The muzzle shows some minor handling marks with most of the wear landing on the ejector tubes right side. The fronts sight, high corners and edges show handling marks, the back side ramped serrations edges show some silvering, but straight serrations. A majority of the barrel shows off a smooth bright finish, with minimal superficial marks.

The period correct hard rubber grips show a molded Rampant Colt cartouche at the top. Both sides show sharp checkering, with some flattening near the top corner of the left side grip next to the Colt. There are small handling marks along the grip panel boarder. The revolver retains a smooth butt with minor thinning in finish, and smooth front and back strap. 

Overall, this 1st Gen Colt Single Action Army shows its 84 years of age well. The finish shows light handling marks, while retaining deep blue and vibrant case color throughout. This would be a fantastic addition to any King Gun Sight Company or 1st Generation Colt Single Action Army Collector, looking for a tastefully modified revolver with period correct upgrades while still staying true to factory form. The King Reproduction Catalog will be included with the sale of this Colt SAA.