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LOT 103
Attractive Documented Texas Shipped Factory Engraved Colt First Generation Single Action Army Revolver with Carved Steer Head Grips, Factory Letter, and Holster - Serial no. 335525, 45 Colt cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, antique ivory grips. Manufactured in 1915, this Colt Single Action Army revolver is
in a very desirable configuration. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver
in .45 caliber with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, level 2 engraving, and ivory grips
carved with “ox” head when shipped to Shelton Payne Arms Co. of El Paso, Texas, on
30 April 1917. Shelton Payne Arms Co. was a well known Texas supplier of firearms,
ammunition, sporting goods, and leather goods. As a very important historical
footnote, General George S. Patton ordered his very iconic Cuno Helfricht engraved
and silver plated 4-3/4 inch Single Action Army, serial number 332088 from Shelton Payne when he was stationed at Fort Bliss
which was delivered in early 1916. Using the most liberal statistics only 2,500 First Generation Colt Single Action Army revolvers of
the 357,800 manufactured were factory engraved. The factory engraving on this example covers 90% of the surface. Exceptionally
fine floral scrollwork on a punch dot background is featured on the sides of the barrel and frame. The cylinder features alternating scrollwork and fan motifs on the chambers and a wavy zig-zag line and leaf band at the rear. Additional wavy zig-zag lines and scroll appear on the trigger guard, back strap, butt, top strap, and top of the ejector rod housing. Fan patterns are engraved on the recoil shield and behind the hammer. Ahead of the single-line barrel legend is an entwining line and dot motif. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates followed by a Rampant Colt. The trigger guard serial number is inside an engraved banner. The left side of the trigger guard has the number “1” and a Colt factory triangle proof. The loading gate has the assembly number “647. Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, barrel (“5525”), ejector rod housing (“5525”), and rear cylinder face (“5525”). The fabulous engraving is indicative of patterns by Cuno Helfricht and his shop. It is fitted with a correct pair of grips with Colt medallions and a relief carved steer head on the right. Includes a leather holster with embroidered canvas accents.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 75% plus of the period applied, likely retailer, nickel finish with a few scattered patches of light pitting and some mild wear showing mostly a smooth grey patina. The engraving is crisp overall with the back strap serial number slightly softened. The grips are also very fine with some scattered hairline age cracks and light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. This is a great opportunity to add a hard to find, factory engraved, First Generation Colt Single Action Army revolver to your collection! Estimate: 17,000 - 25,000
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