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LOT 1168
Documented Factory Engraved Nickel and Gold First Generation Colt Single
Action Army Revolver with Relief Carved Ox Head Pearl Grips and Factory
Letter - Serial no. 221115, 38 WCF cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., nickel/gold finish,
carved pearl grips. The Colt SAA found itself almost immediately popular as a
sidearm upon its release in the mid-late 1800s, and that popularity continued well
into the 20th century among those with a desire for unwaveringly reliable firepower.
This documented factory engraved example was manufactured in 1902, and certainly
shows a certain flair that is often associated with early 20th century Eastern wealth. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was
shipped to E.K. Tryon, Jr. & Co. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 28, 1902 as part of a two gun shipment. The letter verifies the 4 3/4
inch barrel in .38-40 caliber, nickel plating with gold cylinder, and factory engraving with type of stocks not listed. The decorative work on the
revolver bears profuse foliate scroll pattern with punch dot background, heart motif on the loading gate and behind the hammer, entwining
lines, zig zag lines, and cross hatching. Writer believes the aforementioned embellishment was executed by Cuno Helfricht. The embellishment
displays the characteristics of patterns associated with Colt Master Engraver Cuno Helfricht and his shop. Helfricht spent his nearly 50 year career exclusively with the Colt firm (1871-1921). During his tenure with Colt, Helfricht saw the transition from percussion to cartridge firearms and a rapidly growing market for engraved firearms. At the height of the firearm engraving fad, Helfricht oversaw a shop of six engravers. By the turn of the century, experts believe that Helfricht did most of the work himself with the help from one to two assistants. Helfricht’s successor’s included famed Colt engravers Wilbur Glahn and William Gough. The revolver wears a set of period pearl grips with the right panel featuring a relief carved ox head. The barrel has the standard two-line Hartford address on top and “38 W.C.F.” in a banner on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by a Rampant Colt. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The matching partial serial number “115” appears on the rear of the cylinder.
CONDITION: Very good, displaying the appearance of a well traveled sidearm proving that not all art hangs on the wall with strong traces of original nickel plating in the protected areas. The engraving is crisp overall. The grips are fine with crisp carving. Mechanically fine. A factory engraved Colt SAA with authentic character.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
LOT 1169
Documented Wexell & DeGress Mexico City
Shipped Antique Factory Engraved, Etched
Panel, Nickel and Gold Colt Model 1877
Thunderer Double Action Revolver with
Rare Factory Documented Relief Carved
Mexican Eagle Pearl Grips and Factory
Letter - Serial no. 54385, 41 Long Colt cal., 5 inch round bbl.,
nickel/gold finish, pearl grips. Offered here is a documented
example of a Mexico City shipped factory engraved Model 1877
“Thunderer” revolver. The included factory letter states the revolver was shipped to famed retailer Wexell & DeGress
of Mexico City, Mexico, on September 23, 1885 with a factory engraving, 5 inch barrel in .41 caliber, nickel finish, and
pearl grips with carved Mexican eagle motif. This was a six gun shipment. Although the revolver wears a set of Mexican
eagle carved pearl grips, these grips are not original to the gun. The cylinder and ejector rod housing have a gold wash
finish. The barrel, frame, and grip straps are plated in nickel. The Colt factory engraving consists mostly of floral scrolls on punch dot background with fan motifs on the recoil shield, loading gate, and behind the hammer, wavy lines on the top strap, rear
of cylinder, and ejector housing, and star bursts on trigger guard bow and front of frame. The barrel has the two-line Hartford
address stamped on top and the acid etched “COLT DA 41” panel on the left side. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and backstrap.
CONDITION: Fine as a South of the border survivor with great appeal, proving that not all art hangs on a wall. The revolver retains 60% untouched original nickel plating and 40% of the period retailer applied gold wash on the cylinder and ejector housing. The acid etched barrel panel is clear. The engraving is crisp. The fine grips show similar “working gun” character from spending a lifetime in the hand. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
LOT 1170
Highly Desirable F. Burkhard Trinidad, Colorado Mexican Loop
Holster Rig with Burkhard Cartridge/
Money Belt - Established in 1879 in Trinidad, Colorado, the Frederick Burkhard saddle making
firm was formed just three years after the incorporation of the town. In 1882, Bat Masterson was the town marshal of
Trinidad, and from that year the Burkhard firm is known to have used the bordered maker’s mark that is present on this holster. The holster itself is a fairly typical Mexican loop design that was popular at the time, with the “F. BURKHARD/MAKER/TRINIDAD COLO.” mark within a shield- like border prominently on the body, and it will accommodate a Single Action Army revolver with a 4 3/4
inch barrel. The billet of the belt has a Burkhard maker’s mark on the billet, a single row of .44/.45 sized
cartridge loops, a nickeled buckle with clipped corners, a money pocket near the buckle, and measures
approximately 40 1/2 inches overall.
CONDITION: Very good, the holster showing moderate wear, some cracking typical of its age, and some
absent stitching from the toe. The belt has mild wear overall and all of the stitching appears to be tight. A
highly desirable, early Colorado holster rig that would enhance your Single Action Army collection!
Estimate: 2,500 - 5,000
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