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Exceptional, and Well-Documented Wilbur Glahn Factory Master Grade C Engraved Colt First Generation
Single Action Army Revolver with Raised Relief Carved Steer Head Grip and Factory Letter - Serial no. 353113,
45 Colt cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, antique ivory grips. The included factory letter lists this incredible
revolver in .45 caliber with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, nickel finish, carved steer head grip, and grade “C” engraving when
the sole gun of this type in a shipment to W.H. Hoegee Company in Los Angeles, California, on August 19, 1930. The
company was a dealer in sporting goods. Though highly sought after today, the popularity of engraved firearms
decreased in the late 19th century and into the 20th century. R.L. Wilson in “The Colt Engraving Book, Volume One”
wrote, “The grand total of engraved Single Action Army revolvers (excluding the Bisley Model and Flattop Target
Model) from 1873 through 1940 is approximately 3,000.” Of those, he estimated 2,550 where engraved during
Helfricht by 1921. That leaves less than 500 for subsequent years leading up to World War II. Others estimate as many
as 4,500 engraved First Generation Single Action Army revolvers, but that still accounts for only approximately 1.26%
of production, and very few remain in mint condition like our current piece.
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