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  • Auction Catalog #76
  • Lot #3398
Lot #3397
Lot #3399

Lot 3398: C. Bleile Engraved/Inlaid Colt SAA Revolver, Pearl Grips

Carl Bleile Signed Master Engraved and Gold Inlaid Western Themed First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Carved Pearl Grips

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 5, 2019

Lot 3398: C. Bleile Engraved/Inlaid Colt SAA Revolver, Pearl Grips

Carl Bleile Signed Master Engraved and Gold Inlaid Western Themed First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Carved Pearl Grips

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 5, 2019

Estimated Price: $10,000 - $20,000

Carl Bleile Signed Master Engraved and Gold Inlaid Western Themed First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Carved Pearl Grips

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 44-40
Barrel: 7 1/2 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip: pearl
Stock:
Item Views: 3597
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 175
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

Manufactured in 1929 and lavishly embellished by Master Engraver Carl Bleile in 1980 reportedly as a tribute to Western movie actor Tom Mix. The engraving is based on patterns designed by renowned Colt Master Engraver Rudolph Kornbrath (1877-1946). The well-executed, near full coverage engraving consists of beautiful floral scrollwork on a punch dot background accented with silver line inlays towards the muzzle. There are several Western themed gold inlays: a cowboy on horseback on the recoil shield, horse head on top of the back strap, diamond in the middle of the back strap, buffalo skull below the hammer screw on the right side of the frame, and cowboy on horseback roping a steer, cowboy holding a SAA, and man following his mule pulled Conestoga wagon on the barrel. The rope in the lasso scene is a silver inlay, and the rope on the recoil shield is also inlaid in silver. Double gold inlaid bands are featured on the rear of the cylinder. The left side of the frame has Tim Mix's initials in gold. The ejector rod housing is signed "Colt Frontier Six Shooter/44-40." Blue finish overall and small parts plated in gold including the front sight and hammer. Fitted with pearl grips featuring Mix's initials carved on the left panel. The left side of the grip frame is signed "Designed by R.J. Kornbrath 1932" and "Eng. By C.B.Bleile 1980." Comes with a walnut case lined in red satin and featuring a "TOM MIX" gold embossed ribbon on the inside of the padded lid.

Rating Definition:

Exceptionally fine as embellished by Master Engraver Carl Bleile showcasing the highest quality of craftsmanship. Mechanically excellent. The case is near mint with a few minor handling/storage marks. A fantastic work of awe inspiring firearms art that will be a great addition to any SAA collection.



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