Page 148 - 4093-BOOK1

bench·mark
/ˈben(t)SHˌmärk/
noun:
A standard or
point of reference
against which things
may be compared
or assessed.
146
In his notes, Mr. Pemberton indicated he purchased the revolver in 1987 and stated “353113 represents one of the finest examples of the work of Wilbur Glahn.”
Because of its quality and like new condition, it is pictured in many publications. The revolver has been featured on pages 104 and 108 of “A Study of the Colt Single
Action Revolver” by Graham, Kopec, and Moore where it is noted as engraved in the shop of the Wilbur Glahn as featuring “a rather unusual design” down the back
strap; page 394 of “Colt Engraving” by R.L. Wilson, and page 575 of “The Book of Colt Engraving, Volume Two” by R.L. Wilson. While the photographs in the books
clearly show the revolver is exceptional, having it in hand truly shows the quality of the engraving and carving and the extraordinarily rare nearly new condition.
The factory grade C engraving from Master Engraver Wilbur Glahn, a steer carved on the right grip, and exceptional condition combine to make this beautiful
Single Action Army among the most desirable of all Colt revolvers. The revolver has scrollwork with beaded backgrounds and floral accents covering the vast
majority of the metal surfaces. Even the ejector rod head has three engraved stars on the edge, and there are wavy lines engraved on the upper flute of the
ejector housing. There are also “V” elements in the engraving by the hammer well and top of the back strap which are regarded essentially as Glahn’s signature or
trademark. Matching serial numbers are marked on the frame and under the right grip. The assembly number “219” is marked on the loading gate and on the rear
of the frame on the right. The barrel has the standard blade front sight, the one-line Hartford address on top, and “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45” on the left in an
engraved panel. The frame has the two-line patent marking and Rampant Colt trademark on the left. The left side of the trigger guard has a “3” and the “VP” proof.
The grips has silver Colt medallions at the top, a blind screw, and the raised relief carved steer head on the right side.
CONDITION: Mint. A benchmark example of a factory engraved First Generation Colt Single Action Army.
Provenance: The Raymond H. Vanyek Collection; The Albert E. Brichaux Collection; The Doug Ellison Collection; The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection.
Estimate: 55,000 - 85,000