Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 248

Lot 248:Factory Engraved Colt New Army and Navy Model Revolver

December 4th, 2020|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 248

Lot 248:Factory Engraved Colt New Army and Navy Model Revolver

December 4th, 2020|Rock Island, IL
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$30,000 - $50,000
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Extraordinarily Rare and Historic Documented Factory Engraved and Colt Inlaid Colt New Army and Navy Model Revolver with Relief Carved Pearl Grip, Presentation Inscribed to Kansas City Police Captain Lamb by Master Engraver Cuno A. Helfricht and Factory Letter

This Colt New Army and Navy Model Revolver is a stunning example of the 19th century master engraver's art; this fully decorated revolver features a gold-plated cylinder, pearl grips carved with an American Eagle and Shield and flush, gold inlaid, six-line, inscription. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 4 1/2 inch barrel in .38 caliber, gold plated cylinder, inscription and engraving. The revolver was shipped to J.F. Schmelzer & Sons Arms Co. of Kansas City, Missouri, on July 29, 1898. The inscription: "PRESENTED TO/CAPTAIN FRED A. LAMB/BY HIS/GUN CLUB FRIENDS/KANSAS CITY, Mo./1898". The revolver is fully engraved with the scroll and punch dot style associated with the master, Cuno A. Helfricht. The exceptional quality of the engraving and the gold inlay indicates that the work was personally executed by Cuno Helfricht. Colt factory documentation states this revolver was shipped from Colt to the J.F. Schmelzer Arms Co., in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 29, 1898 and describes the revolver as engraved, with gold-plated cylinder, carved American eagle pearl grips and gold inlaid inscription to Captain Lamb. This historic and elaborately decorated revolver is illustrated and described on page 468 of THE COLT ENGRAVING BOOK, VOL I and page 327 of COLT ENGRAVING by Colt historian R.L. Wilson. Fred A. Lamb was Police Commissioner of Kansas City, Missouri and served for 27 years in the 3rd Infantry Regiment, Missouri National Guard where he rose to the rank of colonel. This exceptional revolver showcases all of the decorative elements found on the finest Colt handguns: profuse engraving, gold inlays, gold plated finishes, carved, special order grips and presentation inscriptions. Rarely are all these elements present on a single firearm. This revolver represents the finest work that Colt produce at a time when the quality of Colt's workmanship was at its zenith.

ConditionExceptionally fine, overall. This revolver is all original and retains 75% plus of the high-polish blue finish on the frame and barrel. The revolver shows only light handling wear. The finish is thin on the grip straps and there is some minor age-spotting on the barrel. The cylinder has 85% of the original gold-plating with some edge wear on the face with some very minor flaking on the forward portion of the cylinder. The attractive pearl grips are in very fine condition with a chip on top left panel. This unique and historic revolver is one of the most elaborately engraved and inlaid Colt Double Actions extant. Reportedly has the longest gold inlaid inscription of any pre-war Colt!
Details
ManufacturerColt
Model1896
TypeRevolver
Serial number
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge38 long Colt
Barrel4 1/2 inch
Finishblue/gold plated/gold inlaid
Griprelief carved pearl

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views2644
Catalog page220
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 126New York Captain William J. Lahey's Presentation Police Baton
View Lot
Lot 125Helfricht Engraved Colt New Police "Cop & Thug" Model Revolver
View Lot
Lot 1168Factory Engraved/Inscribed Colt Bisley Model Revolver
View Lot
Lot 170Factory Engraved Inlaid Carved Colt Police Positive Revolver
View Lot
Show More