Offered here is a very intriguing antique Colt SAA fitted with a transverse pin that was shipped in late February 1882. Held in place by a spring, the transverse pin retained the cylinder pin and made its official doubt to the SAA line in the Flattop Models in 1893 near serial number 152800, and in 1896 near serial number 164100 all SAA variations were equipped with the transverse pin. The transverse pin replaced the diagonal screw used on the first Peacemaker in 1873 and marked the evolutionary turning point from the black powder to smokeless powder frame. The transverse pin did not originate with the SAA, but instead was used on the Model 1877 DA revolver as early as 1877. The cylinder pin head on this revolver is identical to the type used on the Model 1877. (There is a shadow of the filled basepin screw on the front of the frame.) The Model 1878 DA revolver also used the transverse pin before 1896. Thus, special ordering a standard frame SAA with a transverse pin prior to 1896 is not out of the realm of possibility. Manufactured 14 years prior to the use of the transverse pin on standard frame single actions, this revolver makes for a highly unusual, possibly one-of-a-kind SAA that is well deserving of the finest, most advanced private or public collection. It stands as one of the earliest known SAAs to feature the transverse pin. Although the transverse pin is not mentioned in the accompanying factory letter, it is an original factory feature. This antique SAA is also in ejectorless Sheriff’s Model configuration, one of the rarest and most sought after variations of the legendary Peacemaker. The included factory letter confirms the 3 ½ inch barrel in .45 caliber and blue finish as well as shipment to Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co. of Chicago, Illinois, on February 25, 1882 in a 10 gun shipment. On page 326 of “The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1873-1895” Don and Carol Wilkerson accounted for only 52 non-engraved ejectorless Single Action Army revolvers manufactured with a 3 ½ inch barrel in .45 caliber and blue finish in the 1-164100 serial number range. These revolvers were desirable on the western frontier for compact firepower, and despite their name associated with a keeper of the peace, would have been as highly valued in the hands of an outlaw or rancher. The barrel is stamped with the two-line Hartford address on top. The left side of the frame carries the three-line, three patent dates marking. The caliber designation “45 CAL” is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard. Matching full serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The barrel, cylinder, and grip straps are blued, and the hammer and frame are casehardened. The revolver is fitted with a one-piece walnut grip. Provenance: The Arnold M. Chernoff Collection; The Ken Karnak Collection; The Stan Shapiro & Chris Anderson Collection; The Charles Marx Collection

Fine, retaining 40% original blue finish and 30% original case colors with smooth gray patina on the balance and a couple small patches of pitting. The re-oiled grip is very good with high edge wear and some handling marks mostly on the bottom. Mechanically functions but hammer has only three clicks. A Colt Sheriff’s Model SAA revolver that has the ability to rewrite the history books!