Did Colt offer checkered pistol grips on the 1st model SAA?

[Bob R.]

Hello to all,

I have a question for my first post.

Did Colt originally offer checkered grips as an option on the SAA?

I have seen photos of an 1851 navy with old grips of chequered ivory, and I have seen an engraved 7 1/2" barrel SAA that was a showpiece for the centenial display, which originally was fitted with ivory grips, but sometime later had checkered wood grips fitted (that one is featured on the cover of "Peacemakers"). I have also seen some  originals that had smooth grips that had been gone over to give a shallow and wide chequering effect.

I know checkered pistol grips is more of a European thing, in the 19th century, but did some Colts have them fitted new?

[St. George]

Sure.

Civilian Model grips were one-piece walnut from 1873 - 1882, and will be found as late as 1900.

From 1882 - 1887, Colt used one-piece walnut and hard rubber interchangeably.

The hard rubber grips cane in four iterations - the first two featured Eagles and the 'Rampant Colt', while the latter two just featured the 'Rampant Colt'.

Military Model grips were one-piece walnut from 1873 - 1891 - and are dated.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Buck Stinson]

1st generation Colt SA's were often fitted with checkered one piece ivories as a special order extra.

Adios,
Buck