Originally manufactured in 1896 and subsequently factory customized and engraved with gold inlays at the request of Mr. Al DeJohn. The accompanying factory letter confirms the serial number, blue finish, stocks as "Not Listed" and that it was shipped to Simmons Hardware Company, St. Louis, Missouri on August 10, 1896 as 1 of 20. At the time of shipment the barrel was listed as 4 3/4" and the caliber "38/40". The remarks section of the letter states that the records indicate that the revolver was once the property of Mr. Al DeJohn, Manager of the Colt Service Department in 1973 and that while in his possession he had the revolver additionally customized and engraved at the Colt factory. The engraving is Class "C" floral scroll covering the muzzle, barrel, frame, cylinder, (including the flutes) trigger guard, ejector housing and back strap. There are scattered 24 karat gold inlays in the scroll. In addition there is a 24 karat gold inlaid mountain lion on the left side of the recoil shield. The engraving was done by Colt Master Engraver, Robert Burt. In addition, the revolver comes with an extra .45 ACP cylinder which features floral scroll and leaf engraving with gold inlays and three gold bands around the rear section. Part of the factory customizing included a 7 1/2" inch 45 caliber barrel and smooth grips with silver Colt medallions. The letter does not say anything about the barrel being changed, however it is pretty obvious that it was done at the same time as the engraving. The revolver features the standard blade front and frame notched rear sights, polished hammer sides and is marked with the one line address in a panel on top of the barrel, "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45" on the left side, the two line, three patent date marking on the left side of the frame followed by the un-circled Rampant Colt and the Colt triangle "VP" proof on the left upper front of the trigger guard bow. The matching serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. Provenance: The Dr. Robert Azar Collection

Excellent as Factory customized and engraved by Master Engraver Robert Burt, with minor handling marks. Both cylinders have a faint drag line This is an extremely nice, factory master engraved and embellished Black Powder Colt Single Action Army revolver.