Factory engraved, nickel-plated Colt Single Action Army revolver manufactured in 1888. This revolver was formerly part of the Robert Q. Sutherland Collection and is described and illustrated on page 252 of "THE BOOK OF COLT FIREARMS" by R. L. Wilson. The revolver is accompanied by extensive documentation which includes a Colt factory letter dated June 20, 1960. The letter describes the revolver as caliber 45 with 4 3/4-inch barrel, hard rubber grips and Engraved. It states that this revolver was one of two guns shipped to Hartley & Graham in New York, New York on October 31, 1888. Other documents indicate that this revolver was owned by Sheriff L.L. Wright who was the Sheriff of Duval County, Texas, from 1880-1890. The revolver is decorated with factory Germanic scroll engraving on a punch-dot background. The engraving was probably executed by Colt's chief engraver Cuno A. Helfricht or his shop. The engraving coverage approximates the later Colt "B" coverage. Experts estimate that approximately 1,000 Colt Single Action Army revolvers were factory engraved, surviving examples are scarce and difficult to obtain. The revolver has a full nickel-plated finish and has two-piece pearl grips with a round German silver Rampant Colt trademark inlaid at the top of each grip. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line Hartford address in an engraved panel. The Colt three line, three patent dates are stamped on the left side of the frame and surrounded by engraved borders. The assembly number, "13" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate and all the major parts of the gun. The serial number, "127579" is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. All of the visible serial numbers match. As noted in the description in "THE BOOK OF COLT FIREARMS", the Medallion style grips are later replacements added sometime after 1912. A six-pointed star is stamped on the right side of the trigger guard which indicates the revolver was returned to Colt.

Very fine as factory replated. The revolver retains 95% plus of the nickel-plated finish; wear is limited to several small spots of flaking on the back strap and inside of the grip strap. The flawlessly executed factory engraving is crisp and deep. The barrel markings are sharp and the frame markings and serial numbers are clear. The pearl grips are very good. The left grip has minimal wear. The right grip has a small chip in the heel at the butt and several hairline cracks near the screw escutcheons. This is an outstanding example of a well documented, factory engraved Colt Single Action Army revolver owned by a 19th Century Texas Sheriff and formerly part of one of the most extensive collections of Colt revolvers ever assembled. This would be a stand-out piece in the most advanced collection of Colt firearms.