This is a very fine example of a factory engraved Colt New service revolver that was shipped to an individual for J.R. Hegeman Jr. J.R. Hegeman was a pioneer in Colt collecting and apparently had great connections within the Colt company that afforded him the opportunity to own many pre-production prototype and serial number 1 guns. Some of the serial number 1 guns were never made in this range and were specially made for Hegeman. Many of his Colts ended up in some of the finest gun collections over the years. This revolver was manufactured in 1899 and features floral scroll and punch dot engraving on the barrel, cylinder flats, trigger guard and frame. The left side of the frame below the cylinder has a feather design, ahead of the cylinder is a star burst and zigzag dot design, the rear of the cylinder has scallop and zigzag bordering and the back strap has a flower at the top and a wavy zigzag line design on the back strap and butt. The top of the barrel is marked with the one line address in a zigzag and simple line bordered panel, "NEW SERVICE .45 COLT" in a panel on the left and the left rear of the frame has the Rampant Colt surrounded by "+ COLT'S+/NEW SERVICE". The upper left rear of the trigger guard bow is marked with the Colt factory rework star (work done unknown). Blade front and frame notch rear sights, blue finish with niter blue trigger and hammer (polished sides) and fitted with later production smooth factory ivory grips with silver Colt medallions. The accompanying factory letter verifies the caliber, barrel length, blue finish, ivory grips, factory engraving that it was shipped as 1 to C.E. Willard address unknown for J.R. Hegeman, Jr. on March 15, 1899. The revolver also comes with a leather cartridge belt and tooled single loop holster marked "NEW YORK/SPORTING/GOODS" on the back. Also with the revolver is a very brief hand written note in reference to a one time owner of the revolver and the holster rig.

Very fine. The revolver retains 60% original blue finish with a smooth gray patina on the balance. Overall there are a few light scratches. The hammer and trigger retain strong bright original niter blue finish in protected areas. The grips are also very good with several minor age cracks and a very pleasant color and grain. The engraving and markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent. The holster and belt are very good with heavy wear on the belt, and age cracking and material loss on the holster. Overall the stitching is tight. A nice early production factory engraved Colt New Service revolver from the collection of the pioneer in Colt collecting J.R. Hegeman, Jr.