This outstanding factory documented work of 1920s firearms artistry by famed Colt Master Engraver Wilbur Glahn transcends "genre" specific fine arms collecting. It is a one gun tour de force of exceptional, a time capsule impossible to improve upon. 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. In fact, the embellishment on this revolver is of the highest grade. Clearly Glahn was demonstrating his best quality of workmanship on this very special order SAA. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 5 ½ inch barrel in .45 caliber, blue finish, grip material and factory engraving. The revolver was shipped to Bob Smith Sporting Goods Co. of Boston, Massachusetts, on January 8, 1925. Glahn’s best quality floral scrollwork with blossoms and shading appears on the frame, recoil shield, loading gate, top strap, grip straps, cylinder flats, barrel and ejector rod housing. Simple wavy line motif decorates the top of the ejector rod housing. The embellishment covers 70% of the surfaces. The barrel is stamped with the one-line Hartford address on top and “45 COLT” on the left side. The left side of the frame has the three date, two-line patent marking followed by a Rampant Colt. The left side of the trigger guard has the Colt factory inspection markings (“3” and triangle factory proof). The grips feature silver Rampant Colt medallions, and the right panel is decorated with a wonderful relief carved eagle/shield motif. The last three digits of the serial number (“534”) are marked in pencil on the back of the right panel. As noted by Colt historian R.L. Wilson, factory relief carved grips are rare with those encountered generally featuring a steer head motif. The eagle motif on this grip set is especially rare. Matching serial numbers are on the frame and right side of the trigger guard and back strap under the grip panel. Matching assembly number “297” is on the loading gate and rear of the frame. Using the most liberal statistics, only 2,500 1st Generation Colt SAAs of the 357,800 manufactured were factory engraved.

Excellent as a Wilbur Glahn factory engraved masterpiece, retaining 98% plus original blue finish with slight muzzle wear and light drag lines. Some varnish type residue is present on the front strap. 99% vivid original case colors remain on the hammer and frame. The grips are also excellent with crisp raised relief carving and attractive color and grain. A highly attractive, high condition Glahn SAA for the serious Colt collector. Easily one of the finest blued pre-war Glahn engraved SAAs in extant.