The accompanying factory letter states this astonishing work of firearms artistry was shipped to W.S. Brown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on September 11, 1909. This was the sole gun in the shipment. The factory letter also confirms the 7 ½ inch barrel in .38 caliber and blue finish with the type of stocks not listed. The revolver was made for target shooter Charles H. Wilson as it is his “CHW” monogram engraved on the trigger guard. The engraving was done by Master Engraver Rudolph J. Kornbrath. Dr. Charles H. Wilson (1871-1941) was a doctor and prominent marksman in Pittsburgh. In 1906, he graduated with a degree of Doctor of Medicine from Western Pennsylvania Medical College, now the University of Pittsburgh, and built a successful practice. Outside the doctor’s office, Dr. Wilson’s principal interest was in the shooting sports. He won the U.S. pistol championship in 1912, and in 1913 set the world record with a revolver with a score of 488 out of 500. A composite target of this record was used to advertise Winchester's "Lesmok" cartridges. He also found joy in big game hunting in Canada. Rock Island Auction Company had the privilege of cataloging a Kornbrath Officers Model revolver no. 361620 that was also made for C.H. Wilson. It was featured in our May 2022 Premier sale (lot 383). No. 361620 was from the famed George F. Gamble collection and pictured in George Gamble and R.L. Wilson's "A Life's Tapestry of a Collector, The Gamble Collection" (see pages 300-303). The distinguishing detail that ties no. 361620 to our subject revolver is the presence of Wilson’s “CHW” monogram. Both revolvers were elaborately engraved by Kornbrath, one of the early 20th century’s finest firearms engravers. Kornbrath was a Ferlach, Austria, trained engraver and came to the U.S. in 1910 and eventually established himself in Hartford, Connecticut, where he was active until suffering a stroke in 1937. He did contract work for Colt and others and also completed private commissions on a variety of firearms. He is noted by many later engravers as an inspiration. In the early 20th century firearms engraving was in decline after its heyday in the late 19th century, but men like Kornbrath kept the art alive and produced amazing firearms art like this revolver. The superbly executed engraving consists of highly detailed, entwining floral scroll patterns covering nearly all of the barrel, frame, and cylinder. Even the hammer and front sight base are engraved. The grip straps and trigger are finely knurled. The revolver is fitted with target sights. The barrel has the two-line Colt legend on top and “OFFICERS’ MODEL 38” on the left side. The revolver is fitted with a set of plain pearl grips. The period French fitted leather bound case features purple velvet lining and contains a small bore brush and a full 50 count cartridge block. This is certainly a rare work of firearms artistry by one of the early 20th century’s finest firearms engravers made even more desirable by being made for world record setting marksman Dr. Charles H. Wilson. Provenance: World record setting marksman Dr. Charles H. Wilson; Property of a Gentleman

Excellent, retaining 98% plus bright high polish blue finish with faint muzzle wear and a light cylinder drag line. The engraving is crisp. The grips are also excellent with highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. The case is fair with an absent handle, handling/storage marks/wear on the exterior, and lightly faded lining with high spot wear. A remarkable Kornbrath master engraved Colt Officers Model owned by one of the world’s best 20th century revolver shooters during the heyday of the sport.