This exquisite modern masterpiece of firearm engraving was engraved and relief gold inlaid by renowned Master Engraver Alvin A. White. According the consignor notes, Alvin White's records kept by Al Brichaux indicate that this pistol was embellished by Alvin White circa 1952. The pistol was once part of the famous Robert Q. Sutherland Collection and is pictured and described in R.L. Wilson's book "The Book of Colt Firearms", pages 442-443. In "The Book of Colt Firearms", this pistol is photographed with a second White engraved and gold inlaid Colt Ace with similar motifs. (Also of note is R.L. Wilson's book "The Book of Colt Engraving" which pictures a Government Model engraved and inlaid by White with a similar motif, page 363.) The engraving is a mark of a true modern master and is nothing less than spectacular. As described by R.L. Wilson, the pistol is "profusely engraved in floral and scroll patterns of minute detail and shading." One hundred percent of the metal surfaces are engraved with most of the surfaces featuring the scroll pattern including the sides of the checkered trigger, hammer with checkered spur, grip safety, sides of the checkered mainspring housing, slide stop and thumb safety. In all, the pistol has eleven gold inlays. The sides of the slide have raised relief chiseled gold inlaid Western motifs. The left side of the slide is a buffalo hunting scene depicting four inlaid buffalos being hunted by two inlaid Native Americans on horseback. The right side of the slide is a forest hunting scene depicting an inlaid Native American stalking an inlaid stag. The top of the slide is a large gold and silver inlaid flying American eagle with a wingspan that stretches for the ejection port to the serrated blade front sight. The underside of the frame has a chiseled gold inlaid head of a bobcat. The trigger guard has a chiseled gold inlaid rattlesnake. The serial number, which is the only original Colt marking remaining on the pistol, is surrounded by the scrollwork on the right side of the frame. The magazine catch is checkered and the pistol is equipped with an adjustable rear sight. The right side of the frame under the grip panel is signed "A.A. WHITE/ENGRAVER." The pistol is fitted with a set of briarwood grips. The grip panels feature a carved straight line border which loops around the grip screws. The right panel has a relief chiseled gold bear head overlay, and the left panel has a relief chiseled gold buffalo head overlay. Each grip panel overlay is exquisitely detailed. The heads of the grip screws are floral blossom engraved. The blue finished magazine has the same scroll pattern as found on the pistol. With the pistol is the Colt factory letter stating that this pistol was originally shipped to Beck and Gregg Company, Atlanta, Georgia, on October 14, 1937, as part of a three gun shipment. Prior to forming Colt's Custom Shop in 1961, Alvin A. White had over 20 years of experience and is perhaps the best known and most prolific Colt engraver. It has been said that White created this Ace masterpiece as tribute to his predecessor, R.J. Kornbrath.

Very fine as master embellished by renowned Colt Master Engraver Alvin A. White. The pistol retains nearly all of the blue finish with only the slightest handling marks. The grips are very fine with the left panel having been repaired and some scattered minor handling marks. A true work of art created by one of the most famous Colt Master Engravers that would be a centerpiece in even the most advanced Colt semi-automatic pistol collection!