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LOT 1154
Denise Thirion Expert
Factory Engraved Colt
Third Generation Single Action Army
Revolver Displayed at the 2005 Colt Collectors Show
with Factory Letter - Serial no. S38720A, 32-20 cal., 3 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel
finish, original grips. Offered here is a stunning modern work of Colt art by renowned
engraver Denise Thirion that was a factory display piece featured at the 2005 Colt
Collectors Show. It is decorated with beautiful Colt factory class “C” engraving consisting
mostly of floral scrollwork on punch dot background along with cross hatching, kidney
designs, and zig-zag line and dot patterns. The non-standard short barrel (3 1/2 inches)
has an ejector and is marked with the two-line Hartford address on top and the caliber designation “.32-20” on the
left side. The left side of the frame carries the three-line patent dates marking. The accompanying factory letter
confirms the revolver was engraved by Denise Thirion and was used by the Colt factory as a show gun at the 2005
Colt Collectors Show held in Kansas City, Missouri. The revolver was later shipped to Ridge Runner Guns & Antiques
of Prescott, Arizona, on October 26, 2005. This was a single gun shipment. The factory letter also confirms the 3 1/2
inch barrel in .32-20 caliber, nickel finish, grip material, grip without medallions, and factory class “C”
expert level engraving.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 99% plus original nickel finish with limited handling marks and crisp engraving.
Mechanically excellent. This is a great chance to acquire a work of modern Colt artistry.
Provenance: 2005 Colt Collectors Show; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
LOT 1155
Factory Engraved Colt Custom Shop Third Generation European Model Single Action Army 9mm Revolver
with Box - Serial no. SA95413, 9 mm Luger cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, rosewood grips. Manufactured
in 1991. Standard markings and features with class “A” Germanic scroll engraving. Includes original box
and Colt blue box.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% plus original nickel finish with limited handling marks, a faint cylinder
drag line, and crisp engraving. Mechanically excellent. Box is very fine.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,750
LOT 1156
Scarce Cased Factory Engraved Colt Custom Shop Custom Edition Third Generation Single Action
Army Revolver - Serial no. 3SPL, 44 special cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips.
As stated on page 211 of “The Post-War Colt Single Action Revolver: 1976-1986” by Wilkerson, the inaugural
Colt Custom Edition was a line of 50 SAA revolvers built on “old model” parts, 25 with 7 1/2 inch barrels and
even serial numbers, and 25 with 5 1/2 inch barrels with odd serial numbers. The serial numbers were in a
range from 1SPL to 50SPL with all revolvers featuring factory “C” class engraving, .44 Special chambering, gold
inlaid “CUSTOM/EDITION” marking on the left side of the barrel, and gold inlaid serial number. This series is also
mentioned on page 132 of “Colt’s SAA: Post War Models” by George Garton where one of the 7 1/2 inch revolvers
is photographed. Standard blade front and frame notch rear sights, one-line Hartford address on top of the
barrel, caliber marking on the left, as mentioned gold inlaid “CUSTOM/EDITION” marking on the left side of the
barrel, and two-line patent marking on left side of frame. The revolver displays sharp factory “C” class engraving
with flowing scroll against punch dot backgrounds, “3/SPL” gold inlaid serial number on the underside of the
frame (marking this the second 5 1/2 inch barreled example manufactured), and oil finished walnut stock with
silver Colt medallions. Includes unlabeled factory “wood grain” box, Colt display case, and March 24, 1977, dated
invoice showing shipment to Southern Gun Distribution Inc. in Miami, Florida.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% plus original blue finish and case colors with limited handling marks
and sharp engraving. Mechanically excellent. Box is very good with a tape repaired end flap. Case is very fine.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000