Lot 303: Colt Single Action Revolver 45 Long Colt

This black powder Colt Single Action Army revolver was manufactured in 1881 and was subsequently engraved by Cole Agee, the noted "Cattle Brand Engraver." This revolver is accompanied by a Colt factory letter that states it was shipped to Hartley & Graham in New York, New York, on July 27, 1881. The revolver is also complete with a Certificate of Authenticity from the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum in Branson, Missouri. The certificate identifies this revolver by serial number and states the revolver was "Roy's Holster Gun" and that it "was personally owned and used by cowboy star, Roy Rogers." The revolver is fully engraved with western cattle brands and broad scrollwork on a stippled background by Cole Agee. At least thirty different brands are engraved on this revolver. The engraving covers nearly all the exposed surfaces including screw heads. The only exceptions are a small portion of the grip strap, the inside of the trigger guard, and the hammer. Cole Agee frequently used older Colt Single Action Army revolvers like this 1881 pistol for his unique western-themed engraving. The revolver has a gold plated finish and is fitted with two-piece pearl grips. The trigger and the top of the hammer are blued, and the sides of the hammer are polished bright. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the Colt Hartford address in one line in a rectangular panel. The caliber designation "45 COLT" is surrounded by an engraved banner. The Colt three-date/three-line patent marking is in a rectangular panel on the left side of the frame. The serial number, "70466", is located on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. All of the visible serial numbers match. The assembly number "5282" is located on the loading gate.

Very fine as Cole Agee embellished. The revolver retains more than 90% of the Cole Agee applied gold plated finish. There is light-moderate finish wear on the inside of the grip strap and trigger guard. The edges of the muzzle, ejector housing and cylinder have light holster wear. The gold plated finish on the back strap is thin. Some scattered and very minor pitting is visible beneath the plated finish. The pearl stocks are in excellent condition with a very small chip in the toe of the right grip and two insignificant hairline cracks in the heel of the right grip. The engraving is deep and crisp. The action functions well. This revolver carries the unique pedigree of being both a rare Cole Agee engraved Colt Single Action Army revolver and the personal handgun of one of America's best loved cowboy stars.