There are moments when history doesn’t just come alive—it walks into a pawn shop and demands your attention. That’s exactly what happened when a man brought in what looked like a pristine Colt Single Action Army revolver, dating back to the 1870s, complete with extraordinary engraving, stunning grips, and a backstory fit for a Western.
“It’s an old piece,” the owner admitted. “I’m hoping it’s worth a lot of money.”
He had every reason to think so.
The Legend of the Colt Peacemaker
Known officially as the Colt Single Action Army and famously nicknamed the Peacemaker, this revolver was the weapon of choice for soldiers, cowboys, lawmen, and outlaws alike. Introduced in 1873, it quickly became the gold standard of sidearms in the American West.
Before this model, revolvers were slow, messy, and unreliable. Gunpowder had to be poured, balls packed, and ignition uncertain. But with the Colt SAA, everything changed. It used metal cartridges, was accurate, reliable, and even featured interchangeable parts—an enormous leap for 19th-century firearms.
“This was the most high-tech thing around in the 1870s,” one shop expert explained. “This shot straight. It didn’t break. It was just a high-quality gun.”
And it wasn’t just for soldiers. The Peacemaker defined an era. If you’ve ever seen a Western film, you’ve seen this gun.
The Story Behind the Sale
The seller, a bail bondsman, didn’t buy the gun. He received it as collateral—a client defaulted on a bond, and this is what was left behind. He had taken it for $25,000, based on an appraisal, and hoped to get that back.
“I’d like to sell it and take the family on vacation,” he said. “Maybe a cruise.”
Not a bad dream—if the gun proved to be the real deal.
Initial Impressions: A Work of Art
At first glance, the revolver looked absolutely stunning.
- Nickel finish
- 7.5-inch cavalry-length barrel
- Period-authentic engraving
- Immaculate relief-carved grips featuring Civil War imagery
And those grips? They weren’t factory-made, but that didn’t hurt the value—it boosted it. They were crafted by Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, the largest firearms retailer in the U.S. at the time. Known for outfitting both Union and Confederate officers, this retailer’s grips are legendary among collectors.
“These grips are hen’s teeth,” said the firearms expert. “Extremely rare to find on a Colt like this.”
The Serial Number Mystery
There was just one oddity: two different serial numbers appeared on the gun.
Normally, that would kill a deal.
Most serious Colt collectors look for matching serial numbers across all parts of the gun. But the expert quickly pointed out that in the 1870s, serial numbers were hand-stamped, and errors were not uncommon.
“It could drive the value down a bit,” he said, “but there’s so much right about this gun, I’d still want it.”
In fact, this exact firearm had appeared in two reference books, including The Colt Bible—a huge plus for authentication and value.
Appraisal: What’s It Worth?
So, what was this historic Colt worth?
“At auction, I would safely say this would sell for $35,000,” the expert declared. “And if it went for over $50,000, I wouldn’t be surprised.”
The owner had hoped for $25,000—but suddenly, the bar was much higher. That’s when the negotiation began.
The Deal: High Noon at the Pawn Counter
The seller joked that he’d walk away if the shop offered $40,000. Of course, that wasn’t happening.
The shop made a counteroffer: $26,000.
“I’ll do $27,500, and it’s yours,” the seller replied.
After a brief pause—deal.
“Honey, pack your bags,” the seller laughed. “We’re going on vacation.”
Why This Gun Matters
This wasn’t just a gun. It was a piece of American history. It symbolized the raw frontier, the post-Civil War boom, and the Wild West mythos that’s still romanticized today.
Owning a Peacemaker is the dream of every Colt collector. And this particular piece—with its rarity, provenance, and artistic details—was far more than a wall hanger.
It was a $27,500 time machine, disguised as a revolver.
Final Thoughts: The Money Maker
Nicknamed the Peacemaker for its use in taming the West, this particular Colt quickly became known as the Money Maker—for both buyer and seller. Whether it ends up in a private collection, on display at a museum, or simply cherished as a family heirloom, one thing is certain:
This 1876 Colt Single Action Army is more than a firearm. It’s a survivor of history, a mechanical masterpiece, and a symbol of a bold and brash era in American life.
Not bad for something that started as bond collateral.
