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Two of the Finest Post World War II Factory Engraved Colt Single Action Army Revolvers Ever Offered by Rock Island Auction Company
LOT 1435
Phenomenal, One of Two Documented Early Production Alvin A. White Signed Engraved
Factory Presentation Colt Second Generation Single Action Army .38 Special Revolver
Inscribed and Shipped to Noted Colt Expert and Dealer Herb Glass, Sr. with Relief Carved
Steer Head Grip, Box and Factory Letter - Serial no. 12414SA, 38 special cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, relief carved grips. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped directly to
noted firearms expert and dealer Herb Glass, Sr.(1916-2007) of Bullville, New York, on July 29, 1957 with a 7 1⁄2 inch
barrel in .38 Special, blue finish, and factory presentation inscription to Glass on the back strap. Although the type
of stocks is not listed, the revolver wears Rampant Colt medallion grips featuring a fantastic and highly desirable
relief carved steer head on the right side that are most certainly factory. The July 29, 1957 shipment included a second
consecutively serialized matching factory engraved and Herb Glass presentation inscribed SAA revolver in .45 LC, no. 12415SA,
that is featured in the next lot. The included Colt invoice for revolver no. 12414SA confirms the revolver was engraved, ordered by Colt vice president and director of sales Fred A. Roff, Jr. on May 13, 1957, and shipped to Herb Glass at no charge in August 1957. Additional information is found in two included August 1957 dated letters written by Roff and addressed to Glass. In the August 27, 1957 dated letter Roff wrote, “It is pleasing to inform you that a pair of Colt Single Actions- Seal #12414SA and #12415SA-has been forwarded to you as a gesture on Colt’s part in recognition of your many endeavors in
the company’s behalf.” Glass’s legendary career as an antique firearms dealer and consultant began in the 1950s. He was a consultant to the Henry Ford
Museum, The Texas Rangers Museum, The West Point Museum and The Buffalo Bill Historical Center. The revolver was embellished by renowned master
engraver Alvin A. White. In 1961 Herb Glass and Alvin White went into business together to form A.A. White Engravers, Inc. The business venture eventually employed a staff of several master
engravers, each bringing with them various specialties in the art of firearms embellishing. The company was later managed by Colt historian R.L. Wilson and
ceased operations in 1976. At the time, A.A. White Engravers was the largest American company devoted exclusively to hand engraving. Colt was among its
biggest clients. On this revolver White’s cartouche appears on the right side of the grip frame. The profuse engraving consists mostly of floral scrollwork on punch
dot background with floral blossoms decorating the recoil shield, loading gate, and back strap shoulder. Even the hammer and front sight are engraved. The back
strap inscription reads, “PRESENTED TO’HERB GLASS’/IN APPRECIATION OF HIS/PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE BY/COLT’S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. COMPANY.” The
scrollwork surrounds the barrel Hartford address and model/.38 Special caliber marking. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed
by a Rampant Colt. Matching assembly number “388” appears on the loading gate, front cylinder face and rear of the frame. An additional assembly number “201”
appears on the loading gate, both grip straps and front cylinder face. Matching full serial number appears on the frame and left side of both grip straps. With the
original Colt factory black box, “Handling the Handgun” pamphlet, Colt warranty, and SAA instructions.
CONDITION: Excellent plus, retaining 99% plus original blue and casehardened finishes with only the slightest handling marks and traces of a cylinder drag line.
The grips are excellent with a crisp carving and attractive color and grain. Mechanically excellent. The box is very fine with a repairable split corner and minimal
wear. An exceptional example of Alvin White artistry, this factory presentation SAA inscribed to a forefather of modern day antique firearms collecting, Herb Glass, Sr., will bring added value to any Colt or firearms art collection. Provenance: The Richard P. Mellon Collection.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
SERIAL NUMBER 12414SA
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