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LOT 1179
Rare Documented Factory Engraved Antique Colt “Fluted”
Frame Sheriff’s Model Single Action Army Revolver with Ivory Grip
and Factory Letter - Serial no. 117011, 45 Long Colt cal., 4 inch round bbl.,
blue/casehardened finish, ivory grips. The accompanying factory letter lists this
revolver as a single gun shipment on January 12, 1886, delivered to Schoverling,
Daly & Gales in New York City, and confirms it as factory engraved, in .45 caliber,
with a 4 inch barrel, blue finish, and type of grips not listed. This Sheriff’s Model
revolver is wearing an attractive period ivory grip and has the early production
“fluted” frame, which differs from standard frame revolvers that have provisions
for fitment of an ejector rod. Only 7 factory engraved ejectorless revolvers in the 1-164100
serial range were reportedly shipped having a 4 inch barrel in .45 caliber with blue finish and type of
grips not listed, and only 2 more are listed with a 4 inch barrel in .45 caliber with blue finish and ivory grips,
according to figures shown on page 331 of “The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1873-
1895” (published 2008) by Wilkerson and Hoyt. Also included is a copy of a three page letter written by noted
Colt author and expert, Ron Graham, dated February 9, 1992, describing the gun as “C” style engraved, with the
first style “fluted” frame while commenting on the rarity of Sheriff’s Models. 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...” That leaves less than 500 for subsequent
years leading up to World War II. 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 based on a total of 357,859, per production figures on page
25 of “Blue Book Pocket Guide for Colt Dates of Manufacture” (2008) by R.L. Wilson. The high quality engraving on this revolver displays the characteristics of deluxe patterns
associated with Colt Master Engraver Cuno Helfricht and his shop. Helfricht spent his nearly 50 year career exclusively with the Colt firm (1871-1921). 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 successor’s included famed Colt engravers Wilbur Glahn and William Gough. The revolver is embellished with wonderful factory engraving consisting of floral
scrollwork on beaded backgrounds, with fan motifs on the recoil shield, loading gate, and top of the back strap, and wavy zigzag line and dot designs. The standard two-
line Colt Hartford address is stamped on top of the barrel. The three-line patent dates are on the left of the frame. The matching serial number is visible on the bottom of
the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, with assembly number “14” on the loading gate. It is fitted with blade and groove sights. There are few firearms that exude the
character, grit, and style of the American frontier like the Colt Single Action Army revolver. The revolver found itself almost immediately popular as a sidearm upon its release
in the mid-late 1800s, and that popularity continued well into the 20th century among those with a desire for unwaveringly reliable firepower.
CONDITION: Very good, with plenty of charming character associated with a gun that likely traveled west, exhibiting an even aged brown patina on the iron, with some areas
of light pitting, and mostly legible engraving. Grip is also very good, with attractive patina and grain, some age lines on the butts, a very small minor chip at the bottom left
rear corner, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent. As a rare Sheriff’s Model with factory engraving, this antique Single Action Army is among the most desirable of all
Colt revolvers, and would proudly fit in any western or advanced Colt collection!
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 16,000 - 30,000
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