Page 292 - Auction84-Book2

LOT 1561
Master Engraver Joseph Condon Engraved and Gold Inlaid Ithaca
Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol Inscribed to Actor and Comedian Buddy
Hackett - Serial no. 2079705, 45 ACP cal.,
5 inch round bbl., black phosphate finish, checkered grips. Originally manufactured in 1945,
this Ithaca Model 1911A1 was subsequently masterfully embellished by “engraver to the stars” and renaissance man, Joseph Condon (1929-1993) for famous actor and comedian, Buddy Hackett. Besides engraving, Condon was a
commercial artist, amateur heavyweight boxing champion, stunt driver, magician, custom jeweler, holster designer, stock maker, escape artist, and health club manager. Some of his celebrity clients besides Hackett included Sammy
Davis, Jr., Red Skelton, and Elvis Presley. In the fall of 2019 we offered a revolver owned by Sammy Davis Jr. that was engraved by Condon that sold for $19,550. The pistol has standard Ithaca markings on the slide and standard
U.S. property and army markings on the frame as well as 75% coverage floral scroll engraving and a panel scene on the right of the slide featuring gold inlaid big horn sheep and mountain lion. The short stamped trigger and
narrow serrated hammer are gold washed. It is fitted with a pair of checkered and floral carved grips. CONDITION: Very fine as custom embellished by Joseph Condon, retains 98% plus of the black phosphate finish
with minimal wear and handling marks, and crisp engraving. The grips are very good with some mild wear and mostly well defined checkering/carving. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Gus Cargile Collection.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 1562
Engraved U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic
Pistol with Carved Grips - Serial no. 855027, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., nickel
finish, carved grips. Originally manufactured in 1944 during the height of World War
II, this pistol was subsequently masterfully embellished with 75% plus coverage floral
scroll engraving. The work is signed with unidentified “JR” monogram initials on the left
rear of the slide, clearly executed by the hand of a master engraver. The left of the slide has
the standard two-line, two-block patent dates and address separated by the Rampant Colt and surrounded by floral scroll. The frame is “G.H.D.” inspected with the standard U.S. property and army nomenclature on the right. Fitted with blade and notch sights, wide checkered hammer, short milled trigger, long grip safety arched checkered mainspring housing, and a pair of smooth grips carved with an African elephant bust on each panel.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally custom embellished, retains 95% plus of the satin nickel finish with some scattered light handling marks and crisp engraving. The grips are also very fine with a few scattered light handling marks and crisp carving. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Gus Cargile Collection.
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
Buddy Hackett
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