It’s a first-stage serial number relocation example - a seldom seen or noticed variation.

From 1873 when the Peacemaker was originally produced until late 1919 the serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard, and backstrap were all visible in a fully assembled gun as shown below from my 1902 vintage SAA…..


In late 1919 Colt began stamping the trigger guard serial number on the left side of the trigger guard - instead of behind the front trigger guard screw - and the number is not visible when the left grip is in place….


Thus only two serial numbers, on the frame and backstrap, are visible in a fully assembled gun. Historian John Kopec estimates that only approximately 1350 of such Colt SAA’s were produced from November 1919 through March 1920 and he calls these guns first-stage serial number relocation examples…..


As early as January 1920 Colt began stamping both the trigger guard and backstrap serial numbers on the left side (and then later on the right side) of these components thus leaving only the frame serial number visible in a completely assembled unit - as still seen to this day in later generation SAA’s.

My first-stage serial number relocation example, serial number 338890, was shipped to Abercrombie & Fitch Company on January 20, 1920. It’s a very nice SAA with only a little box bite on the left side near the muzzle and some light handling marks. The Colt bluing during this era was no longer the beautiful high polish blue of early turn-of-the century guns, rather almost a satin finish, and the frame and hammer case colors were dark and subdued. By this time the front sight was larger than the earlier guns and the front cylinder beveling was reduced from the earlier guns. The grip screws were nickel by this time rather than blue in the earlier guns. The .45 Colt caliber marking on the left side of the barrel continued during this era and until late 1929. My 4 3/4” SAA from 1902 is also pictured below so you can see some of these differences. There are actually many other characteristic differences between the two guns but these are some that are readily visible…..

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Terry Lester

Very interesting. I do not have anything that early, but this old warhorse is not a whole lot newer.
.32WCF very smooth and a good shooter. Only 7100 newer than one of yours. Do you have any guess as to its approximate age?

Interesting.

What year, if known, did Colt start adding the model name to the barrel of SAAs in addition to the caliber?

I have a commercial New Service in 45 Colt from 1920 that shows both. I remember reading somewhere (which means I could be wrong) that Colt used SAA barrels for the New Service in the 5.5" and 7.5" variants.

Great single actions, thanks for sharing them.

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SS336, serial number 345996 dates to 1923.

.357magger, “Colt Single Action Army” was added to the left side of SAA barrels in front of the caliber in late 1929.

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Terry Lester

Early New Service revolvers had straight barrels & later models, like those shown, had the swell where the barrel meets the frame.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!