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95
After serving as sheriff,
Randolph went back to the
work he knew best, the horse
business, until he opened
the saddle shop in 1948. A
photograph of the shop
is included.
Though highly sought after
today, the popularity of
engraved firearms decreased in the late 19th century and into the 20th
century. R. L. Wilson on page 385 of “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. A number of these also included hand engraved
inscriptions or monograms. For the period of Cuno Helfricht (through c. 1921) the total of factory engraved
Single Action Army revolvers was approximately 2,550...” 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.
The engraving on the revolver is consistent with Glahn’s typical scroll and floral pattern on matted background
along with his characteristic “V” patterns on the back strap and loading gate. The back strap has the presentation
inscription: “V.S. JOINER/TO FLOYD RANDOLPH/JAN. 1935.” The revolver is fitted with pearl grips featuring a relief
carved and jeweled eyed steer head on the right panel. The barrel, ejector housing, and front cylinder face are all
marked with the assembly number “1063W.” Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back
strap. The floral tooled leather open top holster is unmarked. A photo of Randolph on horseback mounted in an 18
inch x 15 inch wooden frame is included as well as a silver deputy sheriff badge by Sachs-Lawlor of Denver.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 97% plus of the factory applied engraving and nickel plated finish. The
engraving is crisp. The grips are very fine with a chipped heels, small surface chip at top of right panel, crisp carving
and highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically functions but hammer has only three clicks. The holster is fine. A
factory engraved Colt SAA revolver with authentic Oklahoma cowboy and law enforcement history.
Provenance: Oklahoma Sheriff Floyd Randolph; Paul Sorrell Collection; The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection.
Estimate: 25,000 - 40,000
As pictured and described in the
books Colt Engraving & The Colt
Engraving Book, Vol. II by Wilson