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LOT 1121
Phenomenal Rudolph J. Kornbrath Engraved Colt Officers Model Double Action Target Revolver with Pearl Grips,
Owned by World Record Setting Marksman Dr. Charles H. Wilson, with Case and Factory Letter - Serial no. 315000,
38 Special cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, pearl grips. The accompanying factory letter states this astonishing work of
firearms artistry was shipped to W.S. Brown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on September 11, 1909. This was the sole gun in the
shipment. The factory letter also confirms the 7 ½ inch barrel in .38 caliber and blue finish with the type of stocks not listed.
The revolver was made for target shooter Charles H. Wilson as it is his “CHW” monogram engraved on the trigger guard. The
engraving was done by Master Engraver Rudolph J. Kornbrath.
Dr. Charles H. Wilson (1871-1941) was a doctor and prominent marksman in Pittsburgh. In 1906, he graduated with a
degree of Doctor of Medicine from Western Pennsylvania Medical College, now the University of Pittsburgh, and built a
successful practice. Outside the doctor’s office, Dr. Wilson’s principal interest was in the shooting sports. He won the U.S.
pistol championship in 1912, and in 1913 set the world record with a revolver with a score of 488 out of 500. A
composite target of this record was used to advertise Winchester’s “Lesmok” cartridges. He also found joy in big
game hunting in Canada. Rock Island Auction Company had the privilege of cataloging a Kornbrath Officers
Model revolver no. 361620 that was also made for C.H. Wilson. It was featured in our May 2022 Premier sale
(lot 383). No. 361620 was from the famed George F. Gamble collection and pictured in George
Gamble and R.L. Wilson’s “A Life’s Tapestry of a Collector, The Gamble Collection”
(see pages 300-303). The distinguishing detail that ties no. 361620 to
our subject revolver is the presence of Wilson’s “CHW” monogram. Both
revolvers were elaborately engraved by Kornbrath, one of the early 20th
century’s finest firearms engravers. Kornbrath was a Ferlach, Austria,
trained engraver and came to the U.S. in 1910 and eventually established
himself in Hartford, Connecticut, where he was active until suffering
a stroke in 1937. He did contract work for Colt and others and also
completed private commissions on a variety of firearms. He is noted
by many later engravers as an inspiration. In the early 20th century
firearms engraving was in decline after its heyday in the late
19th century, but men like Kornbrath kept the
art alive and produced amazing firearms
art like this revolver.
The superbly executed engraving consists
of highly detailed, entwining floral scroll
patterns covering nearly all of the barrel, frame,
and cylinder. Even the hammer and front sight
base are engraved. The grip straps and trigger
are finely knurled. The revolver is fitted with
target sights. The barrel has the two-line Colt
legend on top and “OFFICERS’ MODEL 38” on
the left side. The revolver is fitted with a set of
plain pearl grips. The period French fitted leather bound
case features purple velvet lining and contains a small
bore brush and a full 50 count cartridge block. This is
certainly a rare work of firearms artistry by one of the early
20th century’s finest firearms engravers made even more
desirable by being made for world record setting marksman
Dr. Charles H. Wilson.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 98% plus bright high polish blue
finish with faint muzzle wear and a light cylinder drag line. The engraving is crisp. The
grips are also excellent with highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. The case is fair with an
absent handle, handling/storage marks/wear on the exterior, and lightly faded lining with high spot wear.
A remarkable Kornbrath master engraved Colt Officers Model owned by one of the world’s best 20th century
revolver shooters during the heyday of the sport.
Provenance: World record setting marksman Dr. Charles H. Wilson; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
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