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During his tenure with Colt, Helfricht saw
the transition from percussion to cartridge
firearms and a rapidly growing market for
engraved firearms. At the height of the
firearm engraving fad, Helfricht oversaw
a shop of six engravers. By the turn of the
century, experts believe that Helfricht did
most of the work himself with the help from
one to two assistants. Helfricht’s successors
included famed Colt engravers Wilbur Glahn
and William Gough.
The revolver has classic factory scroll, floral,
and wavy line engraving from Master
Engraver Cuno A. Helfricht, which covers
much of the surface and is plated in silver.
Full silver plating was a rare Colt factory
special order feature and is highly sought
after by collectors. Factory silver plating and
engraving is without a doubt an extremely
rare combination, and the addition of the
special ox head carving on the right grip
and engraved “WGM” initials on the butt
makes this an exceptionally rare piece
that will nearly be impossible to duplicate.
The silver plating, engraving, carving, and
initials are all special order features. The
barrel has the one-line Hartford address
on top inside a zig-zag line banner and
the caliber designation “45 COLT” inside a
banner surrounded by scrollwork on the left
side. The left side of the frame has the two-
line patent dates followed by an encircled
Rampant Colt. Matching serial numbers are
found on the frame, trigger guard,
and back strap.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine as an early
20th century work of Colt artistry, retaining
85% plus attractive age darkened original
silver plating. The grips are very fine with
a chip near the top of the right panel, a
few minor scratches, and crisp checkering.
Mechanically excellent. This factory
engraved/inscribed, silver plated, carved
ox head pearl stocked Colt Single Action
Army revolver will certainly make a grand
statement to any collection.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 30,000 - 45,000