Offered here is an engraved and inscribed Colt Detective Special revolver (manufactured in 1963) from renowned Colt firearms expert R.L. Wilson's personal collection and is fully documented by Wilson himself. It is accompanied by a 23 page letter written by Wilson. This revolver was ordered by Wilson while employed at the Colt factory and commemorates his career at the time it was ordered. It is a celebration of Wilson's internships at three major museums and his employment at Colt. The inscription on the left side plate reads "C.G.A./T.L.A./W.A.H./COLT'S." The initials represent the three institutions where Wilson served scholastic internships, which are Corcoran Gallery of Art, Tower of London Armouries and Wadsworth Atheneum Hartford, and "COLT'S" represent Wilson's employment at Colt. The back strap is inscribed "R.L. WILSON" followed by gold highlighted "COLT'S INC." The engraved floral scrollwork and Rampant Colt are highlighted in gold. The engraving was done by W. Daniel Cullity, who has signed his work "WDC" on the left side of the grip frame. The grips were also fitted by Cullity. The front sight, hammer and trigger are plated in gold. According to Wilson, the revolver was returned to Colt for nickel plating. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 2 inch barrel in .38 Special, blue finish, hammer shroud (not included) and type of stocks not listed when it was shipped to Wilson in Hartford on April 20, 1964. As an author of over 50 books and 300 article, R.L. Wilson (1939-2016) was a powerhouse of firearms research, regarded as one of the foremost firearms experts in the world.

Extremely fine as custom embellished by Master Engraver W. Daniel Cullity for renowned Colt historian R.L. Wilson. The revolver retains 98% of the nickel finish showing an area of mild flaking on the butt. Nearly all of the gold plating remains. The grips are excellent with highly attractive grain pattern and color. Mechanically excellent.