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In 2018 our consignor reunited the pistols. Prior to 2018 gun “B” (no.
350181) was previously owned by Rafael Cruz. Our consignor purchased
gun “A” (no. 350108) in 2012.
The .44-40 WCF SAA has found a special
place in the hearts of Peacemaker collectors. When introduced in 1877, the .44-40 WCF SAA was intended to be used in conjunction with another legendary Western icon, the Winchester Model 1873 Rifle, which used the same cartridge. As factory engraved examples, these Frontier Six Shooters are certainly one of the rarer and more highly sought after SAAs. In the chapter devoted
to engraved SAAs in the seminal work “A Study of the
Colt Single Action Army Revolver” the authors laid out statistics that without a doubt make factory engraved SAAs a true rarity in Colt collecting. Out of the engraved 1st Generations surveyed approximately 15% were chambered in .44 WCF (the vast majority, 65%, where in .45 caliber). .44-40 WCF was also a frequently used caliber featured in the 101 Ranch shows. This chambering fired blank cartridges and shot cartridges, so it is fitting that this pair was chambered in .44-40 WCF as this cartridge was well stocked. This fancy western style pair of SAAs
would certainly have made a grand statement with 101 Ranch entertainers who wore elaborate western clothing. One such entertainer was Jack Webb who was a trick shooter employed by the 101 Ranch at the time the revolvers were ordered. On the back of the grip panels
to each revolver are the handwritten letters “JW” which corresponds to Jack Webb’s initials and the number “101” which was a commonly used marking to identify 101 Ranch property. When he died in 1956 Webb “was known as one of the world’s greatest trick shot artist with either pistol or rifle and was recognized as the greatest living trick roper.”These Six Shooters would have certainly made great companions in the hands of Jack Webb. If these pistols could talk!
The deeply cut floral scroll engraving is consistent with other revolvers cut by Colt Master Engraver Wilbur
Glahn’s hands. Note in particular the “V” shape design behind the hammer which has been seen on other Glahn engraved Single Actions. He executed the majority of Colt’s factory engraving between 1919 and 1950, but only a select number of SAAs were engraved by Glahn since a significant percentage of the Single Action Army revolvers that were factory engraved were engraved before Glahn even arrived in Hartford.