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This is a truly special pair of Colt Single Action Army revolvers
factory embellished for well-known early 20th century Colt
collector Captain J. R. Hegeman Jr. The factory letters list the
revolvers in .45 caliber with 4 3/4 inch barrels, highly unusual
special order “browned” finish, ivory grips, and “engraved
with gold band and the name ‘Capt. J.R. Hegeman’ inlaid
in gold.” Compounding the rarity of this sensational, highly
optioned pair of SAA’s is their factory bespoke, original Bisley
triggerguard and triggers, a special order feature that would
have required the clout and gravitas that Captain Hegeman
had within Colt at the turn of the century. They were shipped
to Captain Hegeman in New York City on December 30, 1901,
as a consecutively serial numbered pair. With just the factory
letters, it would be clear the revolvers were each something
extraordinary, but actual examination of the revolvers is
breathtaking. The special ordered blue-brown tone of the
primary finish contrasts beautifully with the single gold
bands at the muzzles, the pair of gold bands at the breech
end of the barrels and ejector housings, and the bold gold
inlaid “CAPT. J.R. HEGEMAN” inscriptions on the back straps.
The smooth ivory grips also contrast strikingly, and the
incredibly high coverage engraving features an extraordinary
degree of variety in patterns and designs while retaining
continuity of style. Everywhere you look you find interesting
details masterfully cut into the steel. Our photographs make
this evident. There are so many details in the engraving
that you could be excused for missing a couple more subtle
interesting details: the factory fitted Bisley triggers and
trigger guards. The barrels have “45 COLT” hand engraved
in oval panels on the left sides and the two-line “COLT’S PT.
F. A. MFG. Co/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” barrel address on top.
The frames have the two-line patent marking followed by
the circled Rampant Colt trademark among the engraving
on the left sides. The matching consecutive serial numbers
are visible on the cylinders, frames, trigger guards, and back
straps. The first revolver has assembly number “500” on the
loading gate, and the loading gate of the second is blank.