The revolver was manufactured in 1981 and was subsequently exquisitely engraved. The included April 10, 1989, dated letter from Master Howard M. Dove (1942-1994) of Old Dominion Engraving Co., formerly a master engraver for Colt and Winchester (one of only two men to work for both in the post-war era) and also the official engraver for the Colt Collectors Association, describes the revolver as chambered for .44 Special and featuring a 7 1/2 inch barrel, bright blue and casehardened finish along with fire blue screws, stocks with "gold medallions and scrimshawed Indian hunt scene" (now expertly fitted smooth imitation grips with gold medallions), and "Cuno Helfricht style D+ coverage" engraving with gold inlays. It details the various 24k gold inlays as well as some of the specific engraving attributes. It is signed "HMDove" on the left side at the toe and has matching serial numbers on the grip straps. The primarily scroll pattern engraving throughout is highly detailed and has bead punched backgrounds. The barrel has sets of dual gold bands at the muzzle and breech along with a gold border around the address and gold inlaid model and caliber designation on the left. The ejector tube has a gold inlaid "wriggle" in the upper hollow cut. The frame has gold line borders on the sides, a gold inlaid Rampant Colt trademark on the left, charging bison in gold inlay on the recoil shield, and gold bordered shell engraving on the loading gate. The cylinder has dual gold bands at the breech and continuous gold line borders around the flutes with dual lines at the muzzle. The hammer also has a gold lined border as does the back strap which also has a gold bordered shell pattern at the top behind the hammer.

Exceptionally fine as master embellished by Howard M. Dove with only slight handling and storage marks. The action has been stalled to prevent wear. This is an outstanding piece of art from one of the U.S.'s finest master engravers: Howard M. Dove.