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LOT 1157
Magnificent Documented
Howard Dove Signed and
Factory Master Engraved Colt Third Generation Single Action Army Revolver Pictured
in “The Colt Engraving Book: Volume II” by R.L. Wilson with Factory Letter - Serial no. SA8,
45 Long Colt cal., 7 inch round bbl., nickel/fire blue finish, original grips. Offered here is a true
steel canvas which displays the thrilling work of the late Colt Master Engraver Howard Dove.
The barrel displays extensive deep floral scroll engraving on a punch dot background which
comes off the front sight and gives way to a beautiful motif of fans flanking a punchdot checkerboard
surrounding the barrel markings. The breech has been engraved with a leafy band which works its way on to the
ejector rod housing which shows light zig zag vines and borders as well as a star burst with floral scroll on either
side of it on the outward facing edge. The frame stands as a further expression Dove’s masterful artistry with
flowing floral scroll on the frame flats, a floral bloom around the cylinder pin release, a checkered panel
at the upper front, interlaced knots on the topstrap, mandala motif on the recoil shield, and a floral fan
inside the loading gate. The backstrap further has been cut with a fan at the top of the top and floral scroll
which flows over a panel of punchdot checkerboard motif, and spills onto the butt and triggerguard. The cylinder has
florals and geometric sprays between the flutes, a thick band of floral scroll and punch dot engulfing the cylinder stops, and a thin leafy band at the
rear edge. The engraving is so extensive that even the fire blued timed screws and hammer are engraved with motifs matching the rest of this work
of art. This magnificent piece is signed on the butt under the grip “HMDove”. The revolver wears a lightly scrimshawed one piece grip signed “KIES” on
both sides. This revolver is pictured on pages 830 and 831 of R.L. Wilson’s “The Colt Engraving Book: Volume II”, and is described due to a printing error
on page 837 as being shipped in the current configuration with engraving by Howard Dove to Service Armament Co. on July 24, 1989, in a one gun
shipment on Custom Shop order 3580. The included factory letter also confirms the configuration, Class C engraving by Master Engraver Howard Dove
and shipment date and location for noted author of “The Colt U.S. General Officers’ Pistol”, Horace Greeley, IV.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% plus original nickel and fire blue finishes with only the most minimal handling evidence and crisp
engraving. A wood block has been installed to prevent the action from being worked to prevent the finish on the cylinder from being damaged. This is
a truly magnificent work of art by Howard Dove that would find itself right at home in any engraved Colt collection. Don’t pass up your opportunity!
Provenance: The Horace Greeley, IV Collection; The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED
IN THE COLT ENGRAVING BOOK,
VOLUME 2 BY WILSON
143