The included factory letter lists this incredible revolver in .45 caliber with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, nickel finish, carved steer head grip, and grade "C" engraving when the sole gun of this type in a shipment to W.H. Hoegee Company in Los Angeles, California, on August 19, 1930. The company was a dealer in sporting goods. Though highly sought after today, the popularity of engraved firearms decreased in the late 19th century and into the 20th century. R.L. Wilson in "The Colt Engraving Book, Volume One" wrote, "The grand total of engraved Single Action Army revolvers (excluding the Bisley Model and Flattop Target Model) from 1873 through 1940 is approximately 3,000." Of those, he estimated 2,550 where engraved during Helfricht by 1921. That leaves less than 500 for subsequent years leading up to World War II. Others estimate as many as 4,500 engraved First Generation Single Action Army revolvers, but that still accounts for only approximately 1.26% of production, and very few remain in mint condition like our current piece. In his notes, Mr. Pemberton indicated he purchased the revolver in 1987 and stated "353113 represents one of the finest examples of the work of Wilbur Glahn." Because of its quality and like new condition, it is pictured in many publications. The revolver has been featured on pages 104 and 108 of "A Study of the Colt Single Action Revolver" by Graham, Kopec, and Moore where it is noted as engraved in the shop of the Wilbur Glahn as featuring "a rather unusual design" down the back strap; page 394 of "Colt Engraving" by R.L. Wilson, and page 575 of "The Book of Colt Engraving, Volume Two" by R.L. Wilson. While the photographs in the books clearly show the revolver is exceptional, having it in hand truly shows the quality of the engraving and carving and the extraordinarily rare nearly new condition. The factory grade C engraving from Master Engraver Wilbur Glahn, a steer carved on the right grip, and exceptional condition combine to make this beautiful Single Action Army among the most desirable of all Colt revolvers. The revolver has scrollwork with beaded backgrounds and floral accents covering the vast majority of the metal surfaces. Even the ejector rod head has three engraved stars on the edge, and there are wavy lines engraved on the upper flute of the ejector housing. There are also "V" elements in the engraving by the hammer well and top of the back strap which are regarded essentially as Glahn's signature or trademark. Matching serial numbers are marked on the frame and under the right grip. The assembly number "219" is marked on the loading gate and on the rear of the frame on the right. The barrel has the standard blade front sight, the one-line Hartford address on top, and "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45" on the left in an engraved panel. The frame has the two-line patent marking and Rampant Colt trademark on the left. The left side of the trigger guard has a "3" and the "VP" proof. The grips has silver Colt medallions at the top, a blind screw, and the raised relief carved steer head on the right side. Provenance: The Raymond H. Vanyek Collection; The Albert E. Brichaux Collection; The Doug Ellison Collection; The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection

Mint. A benchmark example of a factory engraved First Generation Colt Single Action Army.