Manufactured in 1912, this is a rare example of a factory engraved Colt Army Special revolver. On p. 343 of "The Book of Colt Firearms", Sutherland and Wilson state that only approximately 475 Army Special revolvers were factory engraved, out of a total production of about 240,000. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration including the factory engraving (grips not listed), as well as shipment to Norvell Shapleigh Company in St. Louis on 18 January 1913 in a 29 gun shipment. The factory engraving covers about half of the surfaces in floral scroll with a punchdot background and starbursts on the cylinder. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address and patent dates while the left has the model and caliber markings. The left of the frame has the Rampant Colt "C" logo. There is a "VP" verified proof near the trigger guard. The matching serial number is on the frame and crane. It is fitted with a blade front sight, groove rear sight, and a pair of smooth pearl grips with Colt medallions at the tops.

Fine, retains 40% of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina and a few scattered small patches of light pitting. The replacement grips are very fine with a few hairline cracks/light chips near the tops and otherwise only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent.