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Unprecedented Alvin White Engraved Documented Special Order Consecutively Serial Numbered Colt Single Action Army Revolvers Inscribed to Colt Legend Herb Glass, Sr.
LOT 1436
Fantastic, One of Two Documented
Early Production Alvin A. White Signed Engraved Factory Presentation Colt Second
Generation Single Action Army .45 LC 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. 12415SA, 45 LC cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened
finish, relief carved grips. The accompanying 1962 dated 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 .45 caliber, 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 right panel is numbered
to the gun. The July 29, 1957 shipment included a second consecutively serialized matching factory engraved and
Herb Glass presentation inscribed SAA revolver in .38 Special, no. 12414SA, that is featured in the previous lot. A second
included factory letter from 1965 states that this revolver no. 12415SA was “on loan from Herb Glass to the Colt Collection of Firearms, Connecticut State Library, Hartford, from 1957-22 November 1965.” Additional information is found in two included August 1957 dated letters (copies) written by Colt vice president and director of sales Fred A. Roff, Jr. 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- Serial #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/.45 caliber marking. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by a Rampant Colt. Matching
assembly number “389” appears on the loading gate, front cylinder face and rear of the frame. The 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. The grips are excellent with some
minor handling marks, crisp carving and attractive color and grain. Mechanically excellent. The box is exceptionally fine showing minimal wear. A spectacular
work of firearms art by renowned master engraver Alvin White that has the added bonus of being factory presentation inscribed to a forefather of modern day
antique firearms collection, Herb Glass, Sr. This SAA with certainly be a welcomed addition to any Colt or firearms art collection.
Provenance: The Richard P. Mellon Collection.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
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SERIAL NUMBER 12415SA