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While in India, he became close friends with the Maharajah of Indore, who
facilitated big game hunting on his hunting preserve. During his six years in India,
Milks became a skilled hunter, taking a trophy tiger each year he spent there,
as well as guiding other Americans on their own hunts. From 1956 to 1959, was
chief of the AP’s Moscow bureau, where he oversaw the rise to power of Nikita
Khrushchev and the launching of Sputnik 1. His next assignment was Havana, Cuba,
where he reported on Fidel Castro’s transformation of Cuba into an authoritarian
communist state. Due to the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, Milks was forced
to hide out in a friendly embassy for 6 weeks before returning to the U.S. Milks is
noted as likely being the only American journalist to have personally met all three
of the communist leaders, Mao, Khrushchev, and Castro. For the final six years of
his career with the AP, Milks was chief of the Spain and Portugal bureau. From
around 1967 until his death, he was the managing editor of The Arizona Republic
newspaper. Milks’ career in journalism spanned 33 years and 30 countries. The frame
on this example is that of a Colt Government Model, with the “-C” suffixed serial
number on the right. It has been fitted with a Colt .22 conversion unit with the slide
having the standard conversion unit markings on the left along with the Rampant
Colt and the one-line address on the right. Nearly all of the surfaces of the pistol,
even including the magazine baseplate, show masterfully executed engraving and
gold damascene inlay which features primarily floral scroll motifs and borders while
the background is a contrasting matte blue. The work appears to be unsigned but
was very obviously the work of a master artisan. Interestingly, a few other items
that have publicly sold, including a Colt Single Action Army revolver, show similar
damascening as well as inscriptions to Milks. These items appear to have been
adorned by the same artist who was likely either a favorite of or friend of Milks. It is
fitted with blade front and adjustable notch rear sights. The grips are German silver
with traces of silver plating, light zig-zag line engraving, and brass mounts on both
sides including a stag head, diamond, and Mexican eagle.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine as upgraded and elaborately embellished, retaining
97% plus of the gold damascene and matte blue finishes with a few scattered
patches of light flaking, mostly on edges or moving parts. The grips are very good
with traces of the silver plating, the balance of the German silver and brass bright,
and a few light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A gorgeously embellished,
.22 converted Colt Government Model inscribed to a highly respected 20th
century journalist!
Estimate: 10,000 - 15,000
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