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  • /Lot 288

Lot 288:Engraved 'USA*4' Colt SAA, R.L. Wilson/A.A.White Documented

December 1st, 2017|Rock Island, IL
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  • /Lot 288

Lot 288:Engraved 'USA*4' Colt SAA, R.L. Wilson/A.A.White Documented

December 1st, 2017|Rock Island, IL
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Estimated Price$10,000 - $15,000
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Documented R.L. Wilson/A.A. White Colt "USA*4" Master Engraved and Gold Inlaid Single Action Army Revolver with Special Order Eight Inch Barrel

According to the included factory letter, this revolver was manufactured with the custom serial number "USA*4", and shipped in-the-white with a special order eight inch barrel to R.L. Wilson (noted author of Colt reference books) by way of A.A. White Engraving (home shop of Alvin White, noted 20th century Master Engraver) in Manchester, Connecticut on November 28th, 1975. An unfluted cylinder and "rubber" grips are also noted. Later, the revolver was returned to the factory by way of Armsmear II of Anaheim, California on May 3rd, 1993, to receive the attention of the Colt Custom Shop. Spending about a month and a half in the Custom Shop, the revolver was refinished, and shipped back out to Armsmear II on June 22 "fully engraved and fitted with smooth ivory stocks". Additional information from Wilson himself (photocopy of letter included) verified the shipment of the revolver disassembled and "white" as part of a project titled "Great Moments in American History", a collaboration between Wilson, White, and Central Hardware of Des Moines, Iowa, a custom run numbered "USA 0" through "USA 5", and attributing the initial work directly to White. While not attributed to any particular book, the revolver is noted "to be featured in future publications. Fixed sights, with a set of inlaid gold double bands at the muzzle, breech, and rear cylinder face, along with 80% plus coverage of excellent punch dot backed scrollwork, with geometric accents and burst patterns on the screws, and a gold inlaid serial number. A repeating rosebud motif is present on the cylinder flats, and both sides of the hammer are decorated with "screaming eagle" designs, reminiscent of the recurring "dog head" designs on Gustave Young's work. Marked on the grip straps are the original production number "73117SA" on the left and Alvin White's signature on the right. The barrel and cylinder are finished in a rich royal blue, with a bright casehardened finish on the frame and ejector port door and fine gold on the hammer, grip straps and small parts. As mentioned in the letter, the revolver is fitted with a smooth one-piece grip. A commercial transport case is included.

ConditionVery good as master engraved, with 99% plus overall finish remaining, showing some light handling marks overall. The case colors are bright and vivid, and the engraving is all sharply executed. The grips are excellent, with some light handling marks and fine grain and color. Mechanically very good. The case is excellent.
Details
ManufacturerColt
ModelSingle Action Army
TypeRevolver
Serial number
ClassModern Handgun
Caliber / Gauge45 Long Colt
Barrel8 inch round
Finishblue/casehardened/gold
Griporiginal

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views3105
Catalog page123
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