The accompanying factory letter confirms the 5 1/2 inch barrel in .38-40 caliber, blue finish, ivory grips (carving not listed but is most certainly factory) and factory engraving including the "F.H.R." initials on the trigger guard. It was shipped on May 14, 1925 to Harry Levy Hardware Co. (address unavailable). The engraving consists of floral scrollwork and blossoms covering 80% of the surface. Scrollwork surrounds the "F.H.R." initials on the trigger guard. The engraving was probably executed by Wilbur Glahn who was Colt's master engraver from 1919 to 1950. The revolver has standard Colt barrel and frame markings. The grips have silver Rampant Colt medallions, and the right panel has a wonderful relief carved steer head. The carving is a near match to known Colt factory steer head grips documented in R.L. Wilson's "The Book of Colt Engraving" (see pages 298-299, 302-305, and 307). Matching assembly number "298" is on the loading gate and back of the frame. Matching serial numbers are on the frame, both grip straps under the right grip panel and cylinder ("35"). Comes with a Heiser floral tooled holster rig. Like the revolver, the cartridge belt and open top/toe holster have "F.H.R." initials. The holster is also decorated with rivets. Factory engraved SAA revolvers are rare and highly desirable. Only about 1,500 of the 357,859 SAA revolvers manufactured between 1873 and 1940 were factory engraving.

Excellent plus, retaining 98% original blue finish showing only limited edge wear and some extremely light specks of surface oxidation visible on the grip straps. The frame and hammer retain 99% plus original case colors. The engraving is crisp. The grips are excellent with very minimal handling evidence, crisp carving and attractive grain and color. Mechanically excellent. The holster rig is very fine with some minor wear. This stunning factory engraved SAA revolver fitted with relief carved steer head grips would be difficult to improve upon! If you have been searching for the finest pre-war Colt high art firearms, look no further! Provenance: The Doug Ellison Collection