This is a beautiful example of an exceptionally attractive pre-war factory engraved Colt Single Action Army revolver with carved steer head pearl grips and nickel plated finish. This beautiful revolver is accompanied by a Colt factory letter dated May 1971 that verifies the configuration of this pistol as follows: 45 Colt cartridge, 5 1/2 inch barrel, nickel plated finish, pearl grips (does not mention steer head carving), and grade #2 factory engraving and lists it as shipped in shipment of two guns of this type to A.J. Anderson Co., Ft. Worth, Texas, on November 23, 1926. This beautiful revolver was engraved in a wonderful vine and scroll engraving that covers more than half of the overall metal finish, mixed with a fine line border around the edges. The majority of the coverage is on the sides of the frame, recoil shield, the top strap and top rear areas of the barrel and on the flats of the cylinder. It also has coverage on the top and bottom edges of the back strap and bottom of the trigger guard bow. The top of the barrel has the single long barrel address that reads: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.", and the two-line patent dates are on the left side of the frame. The ejector rod has the late, oval head, and the hammer has borderless knurling on the spur. The frame, trigger guard, and back strap all have the correct matching serial number of "350426", and the rear of the cylinder is stamped with the matching partial serial number of "26". The loading gate and rear edge of the frame have matching assembly number "897". The markings and engraving are clear and sharp. As noted, it is fitted with period replacement set of steer head carved pearl grips. The engraving work was clearly done in the style of Master Engraver Wilbur Glahn.

Excellent with 95% of the original nickel plated finish and only minor flaking/edge wear on the front edges of the cylinder and the edges of the muzzle and a narrow line of plating missing from the left side, center section of the barrel that extends down to the front edge of the engraving (holster rub wear). The pearl grips are in very fine condition with sharp detailed carving, absent inset eyes, a nice matching milky color on both sides, and a small repaired chip visible on the lower rear corner of the left grip. Mechanically excellent. A superb pre-war factory engraved Colt Single Action Army revolver.