Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 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.
  • Auction Catalog #82
  • Lot #106
Lot #105
Lot #107

Lot 106: Factory Engraved Colt 1st Generation Single Action Army Revolver

Factory Engraved, Texas Shipped Colt First Generation Single Action Army Revolver with Relief Carved Steer Head Medallion Pearl Grip, Holster and Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 14, 2021

Lot 106: Factory Engraved Colt 1st Generation Single Action Army Revolver

Factory Engraved, Texas Shipped Colt First Generation Single Action Army Revolver with Relief Carved Steer Head Medallion Pearl Grip, Holster and Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 14, 2021

Estimated Price: $27,500 - $42,500
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Factory Engraved, Texas Shipped Colt First Generation Single Action Army Revolver with Relief Carved Steer Head Medallion Pearl Grip, Holster and Factory Letter

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 45 LC
Barrel: 5 1/2 inch round
Finish: nickel
Grip: pearl
Stock:
Item Views: 9957
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 108
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

The factory letter confirms the 5 1/2 inch barrel in .45 caliber, nickel plating, pearl stocks with carved steer head and level 5 factory engraving. The revolver was shipped to Potchernick's in San Antonio, Texas, on November 30, 1928. In operation from about 1894 to 1991, Potchernick's Sporting Goods was a major supplier of sporting wares to the San Antonio area, as well as a noted patron of the shooting sports, playing an active role in establishing an early municipal skeet field for the city. The factory engraving is in the style of famed Colt Master Engraver Wilbur Glahn. From the time he arrived in Hartford in 1919 until the spring of 1950, Wilbur Glahn did the bulk of the engraving for Colt. His death in 1951 signaled the end of America’s family dynasties of firearms engravers. He left behind a legacy of high quality craftsmanship and design, which is certainly showcased on this SAA. The engraving consists of Glahn style floral scrollwork and blossoms on a stippled background. Wavy lines decorated the top of the ejector rod housing and rear of the cylinder. A star burst appears on the ejector rod head. The embellishment covers 70% of the surface. The barrel is stamped with the one-line Hartford address on top and “45 COLT” on the left side. The left side of the trigger guard has the Colt factory inspection markings (“1” and triangle factory proof). The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by a Rampant Colt. The revolver is fitted with silver Rampant Colt medallion pearl grips featuring the highly desirable factory documented relief carved steer head on the right panel. As Colt historian and author R.L. Wilson noted, only "a few" SAAs had factory hand carved steer head motif grips. Matching serial numbers are on the frame and on the right side of both the back strap and trigger guard. The last two digits "65" of the serial number are stamped on rear face of cylinder. Using the most liberal statistics only 2,500 1st Generation Colt SAAs of the 357,800 manufactured were factory engraved. Includes a leather holster with embroidered border.

Rating Definition:

Excellent, retaining 97% unpolished original nickel finish with very limited flaking. The engraving is crisp. The grips are very fine with a slight chipping, crisp carving and attractive fiery color. Mechanically excellent. The holster is very good with wear and some replaced stitching. This factory engraved SAA with the always sought after relief carved steer head pearl grip will be a welcome addition to any Colt or firearms art collection.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #1284: Colt Third Generation Single Action Army Revolver

    Lot #1281: Colt Third Generation Single Action Army Revolver with Box

    Lot #1393: Colt Wyoming Centennial Single Action Army Revolver

    Lot #1285: Colt Third Generation New Frontier Single Action Army Revolver

    Lot #1013: Colt .22 Rimfire Conversion Single Action Army Revolver

    Lot #1398: Cased Colt Alamo Commemorative Single Action Army Revolver