Historically, the Colt 1873 SAA was available from the factory with a color case-hardened frame and blued metal parts, or with full nickel plating. Special orders included finishes in silver, gold, or combinations of bluing and nickel (e.g., a nickel-plated grip frame on an otherwise blued gun). Initially, the factory grip material was a single piece of walnut, and from around 1881, gutta-percha (hard rubber) was used. Exclusive options or special orders included materials such as ivory, mother-of-pearl, staghorn, buffalo horn, and various precious woods like rosewood.