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The revolver was purchased by Brig Pemberton from Marty Lane in 1996 and is featured on page 581 of “The Colt Engraving Book, Volume
Two” by R.L. Wilson as “one of the finest of all guns engraved by Wilbur Glahn, and the finest in .44-40 caliber known to the author. C engraved
but appearing to be in a more deluxe than customary manner. Rare transition engraving showing influences by Cuno Helfricht. 7 1/2-inch
barrel. Blue and case-hardened finish. Engraving documented in Colt factory production records; listed under the date February 4th 1937.”
A letter from Wilson also accompanies the revolver in which he indicates he was only aware of two Glahn-engraved Frontier Six Shooter
Single Action Army revolvers and that revolvers with the transitional style engraving featuring both Glahn’s work and reflecting Helfricht’s
earlier style are “quite scarce.” Wilson further wrote: “The Wilbur Glahn-engraved Colt Single Action Army No. 355603 is a unique example in
the author’s experience in studying the artistic output of this important engraver. The revolver is distinctively a masterpiece of Colt factory
engraving, especially when considering Glahn’s limited output. With its 7 1/2-inch barrel, the scarce and equally desirable .44-40 caliber, the
deluxe engraving (documented in the factory production ledgers, the Colt medallion ivory grips, and the exquisitely preserved condition (with
original bluing and case hardening, all in unfired state), No. 355603 will be featured in the forthcoming Colt Engraving-III book, as well as in
the new “The Book of Colt Firearms- Volume II. This rare and exquisite revolver is worthy of the finest museum or private collection of American
firearms, whether or not that collection concentrates specifically on Colt.”
mint
/mint/
adjective: mint
(of an object) in
pristine condition;
as new.
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