This is an exceptionally nice and very rare early Factory Engraved Colt Presentation Officers Model target revolver that was ordered and engraved specifically for a noted Champion pistol shooter from Missouri Captain Lewis Miller Rumsey Jr. This exceptional revolver is accompanied by a Colt factory letter dated Nov 1997, verifying that it was a special order Colt factory engraved revolver that was charged to the "Presentation Account" and shipped to Dr. C.C. Crossmin" as a one gun shipment in 1908. (Believed to be an error and should have read Dr. E.C. Crossman) In addition, this very rare revolver is accompanied by a large wooden display board that contains "33" shooting medals won by Capt L. M. Rumsey Jr. during his shooting career for both pistol and rifle shooting, that range from 1914 to 1931. In the April 1919 "Man At Arms" magazine, it is noted that Captain L. M. Rumsey Jr. was appointed as the Missouri State Team Captain. In Sept 1919 he is listed as having won the silver medal for pistol shooting and also he is listed as shooting on the 1919 Missouri rifle team. He is also prominently mentioned in that magazine as having attended the Annual NRA annual meeting as a noted chair person, along with the likes of Lt. Col. Towsen Whelen, Captain E. C. Crossman and Captain G.L. Wotkyns, all noted early rifle and pistol champion shooters and early supporters of both the military and civilian shooting sport as well as the NRA. It would seem That Dr. Crossmin and Captain Rumsey were dear friends, and this revolver was a token of their friendship. The revolver itself has been beautifully engraved in a intricate floral design that is intermixed with a geometric pattern and cross-hatched borders with rosettes on the frame. The engraving covers approximately 75% of the revolver and although not marked on the pistol nor noted in the factory letter, the engraving is very similar to the style of Cuno Helfricht. His name "L.M.Rumsey Jr." is prominently engraved on the upper front left side of the barrel. It has the flat-top type target frame with a windage adjustable rear sight with a fully adjustable front sight. It has a set of checkered walnut grips along with the checkered target type trigger and back strap. This beautiful revolver is accompanied by 2 copies of the " American Rifleman" magazine that date from May1928 & May1929. In both issues he Captain Rumsey is listed as President of the NRA. The only discrepancy is that the factory letter lists the barrel as having a "7" inch length while it is actually a 6" length, obviously a factory error as the engraving on the barrel matches the rest of the revolver exactly.

Very fine condition with 90% plus of the original blue finish with edge and high spot wear on the entire revolver, with some blue loss on the grip straps from actual use and firing. The grips are also in very fine condition with nice distinct checkering overall with only minor handling marks. The additional display case and various medals are all in excellent condition and make a very nice historical display with this rare revolver. It is writer's opinion that this wonderful historic grouping should be placed in the NRA Museum.