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 #89
  • Lot #487
Lot #486
Lot #488

Lot 487: Angelo Bee Engraved Colt Python Double Action Revolver

Outstanding Angelo Bee Signed Exhibition Quality Master Engraved and Multi-Color Raised Relief Gold Inlaid Colt Python Double Action Revolver

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: August 25, 2023

Lot 487: Angelo Bee Engraved Colt Python Double Action Revolver

Outstanding Angelo Bee Signed Exhibition Quality Master Engraved and Multi-Color Raised Relief Gold Inlaid Colt Python Double Action Revolver

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: August 25, 2023

Estimated Price: $15,000 - $25,000
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Outstanding Angelo Bee Signed Exhibition Quality Master Engraved and Multi-Color Raised Relief Gold Inlaid Colt Python Double Action Revolver

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Python
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 357 magnum
Barrel: 6 inch vent rib
Finish: blue/gold
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 1122
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 404
Class: Modern Handgun
Description:

Manufactured in 1979, with standard markings and features, and subsequently embellished by renowned Master Engraver Angelo Bee. At just 16 years old, he started work as a machinist at the Browning Fabrique Nationale factory in Herstal, Belgium. During his time there, he sought to become a "white coat," or factory engraver, and subsequently spent four years attending evening classes at the Beaux Arts de Liege before being accepted as an apprentice factory engraver. After 25 years working for Fabrique Nationale as an engraver, Angelo Bee immigrated to the United States to start his own business is 1975, sponsored by Frank Pachmayr. The included factory letter, dated July 20, 1993, confirms the revolver's initial configuration with 6 inch barrel, blue finish, stock unlisted, and not engraved, when shipped to Annie Oakley Inc. of Caldwell, Idaho, on April 26, 1979. The revolver features full coverage of exceptionally fine Nimschke style floral and scroll engraving with contrasting punch dot backgrounds, checker board accents, flush barrel markings, semi-relief gold inlaid cougar and mountain scene on the side plate, and a strikingly detailed yellow and white gold inlaid American bald eagle and mountain scene on the right side of the frame. Signed "ABEE" on both sides of the frame just above the grips, with the classic bee design directly below the eagle scene. Fitted with checkered walnut grips with inset gold Colt medallions.

Rating Definition:

Excellent as master embellished by Angelo Bee, with 98% of the professionally applied deep blue finish remains with light handling marks and sharp engraving. The grips are very fine, with a small gouge on the bottom of the left panel and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. An exceptional specimen from one of the world's top master engravers.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #141: Engraved and Gold Inlaid Colt Python Double Action Revolver

    Lot #566: Colt Python Double Action Revolver

    Lot #1030: Colt Detective Special Double Action Revolver

    Lot #162: Colt Diamondback Revolver with Case and Factory Letter

    Lot #575: Colt Cobra Double Action Revolver with Case

    Lot #153: Desirable Nickel Colt Python Double Action Revolver