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  • Auction Catalog #4091
  • Lot #1119
Lot #1118
Lot #1120

Lot 1119: Factory Engraved 1st Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Excellent, Documented, Fort Worth, Texas Shipped Glahn Factory Engraved First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Relief Carved Steer Head Grips, Presentation Inscription, and Factory Letter

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 18, 2024

Lot 1119: Factory Engraved 1st Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Excellent, Documented, Fort Worth, Texas Shipped Glahn Factory Engraved First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Relief Carved Steer Head Grips, Presentation Inscription, and Factory Letter

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 18, 2024

Estimated Price: $40,000 - $60,000
Price Realized:
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Excellent, Documented, Fort Worth, Texas Shipped Glahn Factory Engraved First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Relief Carved Steer Head Grips, Presentation Inscription, and Factory Letter

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 45 Long Colt
Barrel: 4 3/4 inch round
Finish: nickel
Grip: antique ivory
Stock:
Item Views: 3522
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 97
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

Offered here is a stunning work of steel canvas artistry by Colt Master Engraver Wilbur Glahn. The floral scroll engraving on this Colt SAA is consistent with other revolvers cut by Glahn hands. Note in particular the "V" shape design behind the hammer which has been seen on other Glahn engraved Single Actions. He executed the majority of Colt's factory engraving between 1919 and 1950, but only a select number of SAAs were engraved by Glahn since a significant percentage of the Single Action Army revolvers that were factory engraved were engraved before Glahn even arrived in Hartford. The barrel, frame, cylinder flats, top and heel of the back strap, and trigger guard bow are decorated with floral scroll engraving with lined or punch dot background. The top of the ejector housing and rear of the cylinder are decorated with a simple wavy line. The back strap is inscribed “SI TO BOB ’30.” The barrel is marked with the two-line Hartford address on top and “45 COLT” on the left side. The left side of the frame is marked with the two-line, three patent dates marking followed by a Rampant Colt. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with the number “1” above the Colt factory triangle proof. The Colt medallion grips feature a relief carved steer head on the right panel. These grips were provided by the famed Fort Worth, Texas, retailer Wolf & Klar (the retailer where the revolver was shipped to), and the back of the right panel has a Wolf & Klar label which is numbered to the gun (“1778”). The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame and on the right side of the grip straps under the grip. The right rear of the frame and the loading gate are marked with the assembly number “1206.” The accompanying factory letter confirms the 4 ¾ inch barrel in .45 caliber, nickel plating and factory engraving. The type of stocks are not listed. The letter also confirms that the revolver was shipped on Colt factory order number 14901/2 to Wolf & Klar of Fort Worth, Texas, on May 28, 1928. This was a two gun shipment. As stated, the relief carved grips were provided by Wolf & Klar. The Texas retailer likely inscribed the back strap. Wolf & Klar was a prominent hardware, jewelry, and gun store that attracted Texas outlaws and lawmen among others. Gunmakers Colt and Smith & Wesson counted the company as one of their biggest customers. The Wolf & Klar delivery, factory engraving, and steer head carved grips suggest this Peacemaker made it into the hands of a proud Texas rancher.

Rating Definition:

Excellent, retaining 98% plus untouched original nickel plating showing a faint cylinder drag line and limited handling marks. The backstrap has been professionally retailer nickeled by Wolf & Klar at the time of inscription. The engraving is crisp. The grips are also excellent with crisp carving. Mechanically excellent. A Phenomenal Wolf & Klar shipped factory engraved first generation Colt Single Action Army revolver that will make a grand statement to any Colt SAA or Texas historic collection. A superb example of Colt interwar period artistry.



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