This masterpiece was originally manufactured in 1891 and subsequently engraved and gold inlaid by Master Engraver Alvin A. White. The revolver features floral scroll and matte background engraving on the barrel, outer edge of the ejector housing, the frame, top strap, cylinder flats, back strap, trigger guard and hammer sides. The upper edge of the ejector housing and shoulder of the back strap have a leaf design. In addition there are gold inlaid bands around the muzzle and breech ends of the barrel and rear of the cylinder, gold inlaid band bordering around the cylinder flutes and frame, and gold inlaid accents on the trigger guard. The left recoil shield features a gold relief spread winged eagle. The left side of the front strap under the grip has a small inset touch mark "AA WHITE/ENG.". The top of the barrel is marked with the one line address, and the two line, three patent dates are marked on the left side of the frame followed by the circled Rampant Colt. Polished hammer, casehardened frame, and blue on the remaining parts, and fitted with replacement two-piece checkered grips with the Rampant Colt on top of the left panel and a brass oval disk on the right. The accompanying factory letter verifies this revolver as having a 4 ¾ inch barrel in .45 caliber, blue finish, and type of stock “not listed” at the time of the original factory shipment of 50 units on December 8, 1891 and delivered to Simmons Hardware Co., St. Louis, Missouri. With this revolver are two letters handwritten and signed by Alvin White. Each letter is addressed to the previous owner of this revolver, William Woodward. The first letter addresses White’s need to see photographs of the revolver in order to positively identify his work. In the second letter White confirms he did the engraving on this gun, noting “the gun you have is certainly one I did” and the engraving is “rather early” as it is from the 1950s. A third letter is from noted Colt historian R.L. Wilson who examined this revolver and says in part, “This is an important collector's item, worthy of the finest museum or private collection.” Includes a Colt heritage of craftsmanship box which has been numbered to the gun. This SAA is from the esteemed George Gamble collection and includes the book “A Life’s Tapestry of a Collector,” the official pictorial record of the George Gamble collection by George Gamble and R.L. Wilson with this revolver referenced on pages 260-261. In a passage concerning this revolver Wilson noted, “Only rarely did Alvin White himself confirm in writing whether or not he had embellished a firearm.” Provenance: The William Woodward Collection; The George F. Gamble Collection

Outstanding as master embellished by Alvin A. White, with virtually all of the blue and casehardened finish remaining. All of the gold inlay remains. The markings and engraving remain crisp. The grips are very fine with two age cracks on the left panel, and an attractive aged patina and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.