Colt Single Action Army revolver with "B" style factory engraving manufactured in 1911. The factory letter indicates the revolver was shipped in its current configuration (grips not listed) on December 12, 1911, to E. A. Beard (address is unavailable). Based on REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES by the Department of Commerce Labor, an E. A. Beard was located at Yes Bay Station in Alaska in 1912. He assisted Fred M. Chamberlain with inspecting the fisheries and salmon in Alaska. There were some issues at that time with poaching by Japanese fisherman and Americans using illegal traps. Alaska Pacific Fisheries operated in the bay and had a cannery located there. The revolver was engraved by Cuno A. Helfricht or his shop and features the scarce blue and casehardened finish. Fewer that 10% of the factory engraved Colt Single Action revolvers had a blue and casehardened finish and only about 2% of the factory engraved Single Action revolvers were chambered for the .32-20 cartridge. The combination of factory engraving and blue and casehardened finish on a caliber .32-20 Single Action revolver is very rare. This particular revolver was formerly part of the famous Mel Torme Collection and is pictured on page 95 of "A STUDY OF THE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER" by Graham, Kopec and Moore. The revolver features Cuno Helfricht's bold Germanic scrollwork on a punchdot background with zig-zag and dot borders. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the legend: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in a panel with engraved double-line borders. The caliber designation "32 W.C.F." on the left side of the barrel is surrounded by an engraved banner. The Colt "Two-Line/Three Date" patent markings on the left side of the frame are enclosed in an engraved ribbon, and the Rampant Colt trademark is surrounded by an engraved double circle. An engraved banner encloses the serial number on the bottom of the trigger guard. The left front trigger guard bow is stamped with the Colt "Triangle/VP" proofmark, and a "W" assembler's mark is stamped on the left rear trigger guard bow. The assembly number "576" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The full serial number "321072" is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The partial serial number "072" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The revolver has two-piece pearl grips inlaid with silver Rampant Colt medallions.

Very fine. The revolver retains 85% of the original blue and color casehardened finish. Most of the original blue finish is present on the barrel, ejector housing and back strap. The top strap, upper left corner of the frame, adjacent corner of the barrel, one cylinder chamber, and the lower left edge of the trigger guard show some pitting and the finish on those areas has faded to a dark gray patina. The balance of the cylinder and trigger guard have a strong blue finish and the case colors on the frame, hammer, and loading gate are vivid. The frame screws are in excellent condition and retain nearly all of the fire blue finish, The flawlessly executed, highly detailed, engraving is sharp. The pearl grips are in very good condition with one small chip in the lower right heel and one small repair in each grip at the junction with the frame. The action is tight but the hammer will not hold at half-cock. This is a very fine example of a documented .32-20 Colt Single Action Army revolver with factory "B" engraving and a blue and case-hardened finish.