COLT SAA GEN. 1 - FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER, CAL. 44-40 WCF

BRIEF HISTORY: Colt Single Action Army – First Generation, 1881

.44-40 Winchester Center Fire (.44 WCF) calibre – Colt Frontier Six Shooter

The Colt Single Action Army, also known as the Peacemaker, was introduced in 1873 and became one of the most iconic revolvers of the American West. In 1878 Colt introduced a version chambered in .44-40 WCF, marketed as the Colt Frontier Six Shooter. This calibre was particularly popular because it allowed the same ammunition to be used in both the revolver and the Winchester Model 1873 carbines.

The example shown, made in 1881 according to the data supplied by COLT, belongs to the first generation of the Colt SAA (1873–1941), the one most sought after by collectors of historical firearms.

Features of this example

The photograph and the description reveal several important characteristics:

- Manufacture: 1881, confirmed by the serial number (COLT archives).

- Calibre: .44-40 WCF.

- Barrel marking: “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER”, applied by chemical etching (acid-etched barrel marking).

- Barrel: originally long, approximately 7½ inches, later shortened, according to the information supplied.

- Serial numbers: components with matching numbers (matching numbers),

- Finish: pronounced patina, significant loss of the original finish and signs of wear.

- Grips: wood; their originality has been verified and they bear a serial number matching the gun.

The acid-etched marking is an important collector’s detail. Such inscriptions are more vulnerable to wear than stamped markings, and on many historical examples they have become very faint or disappeared altogether.

The fact that the gun had a 7½-inch barrel and now has a shorter one suggests that it is quite possible it was used in the wars between the US Army and the Native American tribes (the date of manufacture, 1881, is consistent with the final decades of these conflicts). This revolver’s actual involvement in such events is confirmed by provenance documents from the archives of the Springfield Armory.

Market valuation July – October 2026

Preliminary estimate for the example pictured

Estimated value: 7,000–9,000 €

The example pictured, all serial numbers matching

Original factory barrel, genuine markings and Colt documentation

As a historical benchmark, Rock Island Auction catalogues document Frontier Six Shooter examples in .44-40, with a 7½-inch barrel, acid-etched marking and a Colt archive letter, at values of 12,000–13,000 €.

My assessment: the fact that the revolver dates from 1881, has all matching serial numbers and retains traces of the Frontier Six Shooter marking are important advantages. However, the shortened barrel and the almost complete loss of the inscription reduce its value compared with an unaltered example.

I do not recommend refinishing the gun or re-creating the inscription, as this may affect its authenticity and collector value.