Serial Number 166

The Boundary Between Legends

Kopec Verified Encyclopedia Documented First Year Production 1873
Serious Inquiries

At the Threshold of Colt's Rarest Variation

One of fewer than 100 pinch frame Colt Single Action Army revolvers ever manufactured, positioned at the exact transition point where Colt's experimental first design gave way to the legendary form that would define the American West.

First Year Production - 1873

The Colt "Pinch Frame" Single Action Army represents the rarest variation in Colt collecting history. Manufactured only during the first production run of 1873, these revolvers feature a distinctive rear sight configuration with a "pinched" or narrowed top strap approximately half an inch forward of the hammer notch.

In their definitive work "A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver," scholars Ron Graham, John A. Kopec, and C. Kenneth Moore documented that authentic pinch frames were produced in an estimated quantity of "probably 100 or less," making them exponentially rarer than any other SAA variation.

These earliest Colts represent the company's first attempt at perfecting the Single Action Army design - a brief experimental phase before standardizing the form that would become the most iconic handgun in American history.

The Boundary Question

Serial #166 occupies the most significant position in early SAA production: the exact threshold where the pinch frame era ended.

Historical documentation and collector research indicate that pinch frame production occurred within "the first 166 or so serial numbers" scattered through early 1873 production. While some sources cite serial #163 as the last confirmed pinch frame, and others reference examples up to #166, the consensus places this serial number at the precise boundary of this variation.

This creates a fascinating collector's paradox:

If it IS a pinch frame: It stands among the final examples ever produced - possibly one of the last dozen made before Colt abandoned the design.

If it's a standard frame: It marks one of the first revolvers in Colt's perfected design - the beginning of the 357,859 First Generation Single Action Army revolvers that would follow over the next 68 years.

Either answer places Serial #166 at the exact moment American firearms history pivoted from experimentation to legend.

Condition & Specifications

Overall Grade: Very Good to Fine - Exceptional preservation for a 152-year-old firearm from the first year of production

Caliber

.45 Colt

Original factory caliber marking clearly visible on the left side of the trigger guard strap.

Barrel Length

7½ inches

Standard "Cavalry Length" configuration - the most iconic and desirable barrel length for First Generation Single Action Army collectors.

Year

1873

First Year Production - among the earliest Single Action Army revolvers ever manufactured.

Metal Finish

Original finish with smooth, even brown patina consistent with age and careful preservation. No active corrosion, pitting remains minimal and age-appropriate. The patina shows honest wear from 152 years while retaining strong metal integrity throughout.

Barrel Address

First-type barrel legend clearly legible:
"COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A."

Script markings show typical wear but remain completely readable - an important authentication feature for first year production.

Serial Number Markings

Clear, legible "166" stamped in all five factory-correct locations:

  • ✓ Bottom of barrel (forward of cylinder)
  • ✓ Bottom of frame (in front of trigger guard)
  • ✓ Front face of cylinder
  • ✓ Rear of loading gate
  • ✓ Back strap (grip frame)

All serial numbers match and display consistent factory stamping characteristics.

Grips

Exceptional one-piece ivory grips displaying beautiful natural age coloration and translucency. Grips show honest wear with no cracks or repairs - extraordinary preservation for 152-year-old ivory. The warm honey-colored patina is characteristic of properly aged ivory and adds significant aesthetic appeal.

Mechanical Function

All mechanical functions operate correctly: Cylinder indexes and locks properly • Hammer functions smoothly through all positions • Trigger engagement crisp and correct • Loading gate operates properly with good spring tension • Ejector rod functions correctly

Bore Condition

Strong rifling visible throughout with dark patina consistent with age. No erosion or damage.

For the Advanced Collector

Why Serial #166 Matters

In the hierarchy of Colt Single Action Army collecting, three factors determine ultimate value: Extreme rarity (fewer examples known to exist), Historical significance (pivotal role in firearms development), and Authentication & documentation (verification by recognized experts).

Serial #166 possesses all three at the highest level.

The Rarity Factor

With an estimated 100 or fewer pinch frame revolvers ever produced from a total First Generation production of 357,859, pinch frames represent approximately 0.03% of all First Generation Single Action Army revolvers.

To put this in perspective:

  • There are more surviving Custer battlefield Colts than confirmed pinch frames
  • There are more documented factory engraved SAAs than pinch frames
  • The entire pinch frame production would fit in a small gun safe

Serial #166, positioned at the absolute boundary of this variation, represents a subset within this already infinitesimal population.

The Documentary Trail

Unlike many rare firearms that rely solely on physical inspection, Serial #166 benefits from multiple layers of documentary evidence:

  • ✓ Contemporary Colt factory production (1873 manufacture confirmed)
  • ✓ Scholarly recognition (Graham, Kopec & Moore reference work)
  • ✓ Encyclopedia documentation (Cochran Volume 2 with photographs)
  • ✓ Expert authentication (John A. Kopec verification)
  • ✓ Collector consensus (Colt Forum and specialist community recognition)

This level of documentation transforms Serial #166 from "a rare gun" to "a documented historical artifact."

Market Value Analysis

Based on documented pinch frame sales and authenticated boundary significance

Pricing Available Upon Request

Serial #166 represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire a documented, authenticated boundary-range pinch frame with Kopec verification and encyclopedia inclusion.

For serious collectors and institutions interested in detailed market analysis and pricing information, please contact us directly.

Inquire About Pricing

Recent Comparable Sales

Serial #14

Serial #14

Sale Price Available for Reference

Rock Island Auction, May 2025

  • Chambered in .44 S&W American (only 3 known in this caliber)
  • Condition: 30% original blue, 20% case colors
  • Ron Graham described it as "Discovery of the decade"
  • Lower serial number commanded premium despite inferior condition

Significance to Serial #166: Serial #14's sale at $440,625 in lesser condition establishes a strong floor for #166, which benefits from superior preservation and more comprehensive documentation.

Serial #122

Serial #122

Sale Price Available for Reference

Rock Island Auction, December 2024

  • Documented by Graham, Kopec & Moore
  • Sold with skeleton shoulder stock (rare accessory)
  • Selected as one of the "Top 10 Guns of 2024"
  • Strong collector competition drove final price

Significance to Serial #166: Serial #122's sale demonstrates sustained market demand for authenticated pinch frame examples. The $293,750 result occurred WITH a rare shoulder stock accessory; #166 commands attention based purely on the revolver itself.

Why Serial #166 Commands Premium Positioning

  • ✓ Boundary Significance - Last vs. first question creates unique historical intrigue
  • ✓ Kopec Verification - Gold-standard authentication by foremost SAA authority
  • ✓ Encyclopedia Documentation - Permanent inclusion in Cochran reference work
  • ✓ Condition Premium - Superior preservation compared to most surviving pinch frames
  • ✓ Complete Serialization - All five serial numbers present, matching, and legible
  • ✓ First Year Production - 1873 manufacture places it in the earliest production run
  • ✓ Iconic Configuration - .45 Colt caliber, 7½" barrel - the most desirable specification

The Question Every Serious Collector Must Ask

"When will another documented, authenticated pinch frame from the transition range become available?"

Based on auction records over the past two decades:

  • • Authenticated pinch frames appear at major auction approximately once every 2-3 years
  • • Pinch frames from the boundary range (160-166) appear once per decade or less
  • • Pinch frames with Kopec verification and encyclopedia documentation are offered once in a generation

The decision facing the serious collector isn't whether Serial #166 will be available again.

It won't.

The decision is whether to acquire it now, or spend the next decade hoping another example surfaces.

Triple Authentication & Documentation

John A. Kopec Verification

The gold standard in Colt SAA authentication. Kopec's verification confirms authenticity and documents this revolver's place in the critical transition range.

Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Volume 2

Serial #166 documented and photographed in Keith Cochran's definitive reference work.

"A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver"

The boundary significance of this serial range is detailed in the Graham, Kopec & Moore reference - the most authoritative work on early SAA production.

Investment Perspective

The market for documented pinch frame Colt Single Action Army revolvers has demonstrated consistent strength, with recent sales establishing clear value benchmarks for this variation.

Key Market Factors:

  • Irreplaceable Rarity: No more will ever be made; no more will be discovered
  • Institutional Interest: Museums and foundations actively seek documented examples
  • Reference Documentation: Inclusion in major reference works enhances long-term value
  • Condition Ceiling: Most surviving pinch frames show heavy wear; well-preserved examples command exponential premiums
  • Authentication Consensus: Kopec verification eliminates uncertainty that depresses values

For the serious Colt SAA collector, Serial #166 represents something beyond rarity: it represents a position in history that can never be duplicated.

For the Advanced Collector

Why This Revolver Matters

In a market where thousands of First Generation Colt Single Action Army revolvers exist, and hundreds change hands each year, Serial #166 stands apart for one simple reason:

There is no other Serial #166.

While another .45 Colt with a 7½" barrel might be found, and while other pinch frames may appear at auction, there will never be another revolver that occupies this specific position in Colt's production history.

For collectors who seek not just rarity, but historical singularity, Serial #166 represents an unrepeatable opportunity.

Provenance & Research Opportunities

What We Know

  • ✓ Manufacture Date: 1873 (First Year Production)
  • ✓ Serial Number: 166 (At documented pinch frame boundary)
  • ✓ Configuration: .45 Colt caliber, 7½" barrel
  • ✓ Authentication: John A. Kopec verified
  • ✓ Documentation: Cochran Encyclopedia Volume 2
  • ✓ Reference: Cited in Graham, Kopec & Moore study

What Remains to Be Discovered

Serial #166's position in the critical first-year production range makes it a candidate for further historical research:

  • Colt Factory Letter: Could reveal original shipping date, destination, and configuration details
  • Military Records Research: If shipped to military, unit assignment may be traceable
  • London Agency Research: Many early Colts shipped to Colt's London office
  • Contemporary Accounts: Period newspapers may reference early SAA shipments

For the collector who values discovery as much as possession, Serial #166 offers ongoing research potential that could reveal new historical context.

Contact

Serious Inquiries Welcome

Serial #166 is being offered exclusively to established collectors, museums, and institutions who understand its significance within the context of Colt Single Action Army history.

All communications will be handled with complete discretion and professionalism.

Jason Hoar

805-458-0693 [email protected]

Marcus Galvan

Co-Representative

We welcome questions regarding:

• Additional photography or documentation

• In-person inspection arrangements (by appointment)

• Detailed condition reports

• Authentication documentation review

• Provenance research status

• Shipping and transfer logistics

For Institutions & Museums

We recognize that Serial #166 represents an artifact of American firearms development that may be of interest to museums and educational institutions. We are open to discussions regarding institutional acquisition and are prepared to work with curators and foundation representatives.

Terms & Conditions

  • • Sale subject to all applicable federal, state, and local firearms laws
  • • Transfer through FFL required for individual purchasers
  • • Full payment required before transfer
  • • Buyer responsible for all transfer fees and shipping costs
  • • Professional shipping via insured, tracked carrier
  • • International sales considered for qualified institutional buyers (export compliance required)