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LOT 3182
Historic Colt First Generation Single
Action Army Revolver Factory Inscribed
to Colt Factory Superintendent Carl De
Leon with Checkered Ivory Grips and
Documentation - Serial no. 332616, 38 Long Colt cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl.,
blue/casehardened finish, checkered ivory grips. Manufactured in 1916. This highly
attractive Colt Single Action Army revolver bears the inscription “C. De. Leon” on the butt,
as specially built for Colt’s Superintendent Carl De Leon. An included Colt factory archive
letter states, “According to Mr. John Carmody, who was employed by Colt’s from 1910
to 1954, De Leon was the factory Superintendent from c. 1914 to c. 1916. He was known
around the Hartford area as the owner of a Stutz Bearcat- and was the third Colt employee
to own a car. De Leon was with Colt’s for just a brief period, and apparently there was some friction or dissatisfaction which
caused him to leave. Because of his short stay with the plant, Mr. Carmody was unable to recall any further details.” An
included original typewritten internal company notice, addressed from C. De Leon, and dated July 27, 1917, suggests he was
active with Colt up until at least this date, in which he states in the notice, “Please furnish me with a list AT ONCE of all the
men in your Department who have been called into the United States Service and whom you wish to retain. These orders
come direct from Colonel Skinner and the list must be in my hands by 11:30 this morning.” Also included is a company
octagon silver badge that reads “Colt/37/37000” and another brass Colt medallion, both of which appear to be of the type
worn by Carl De Leon, as well as a framed picture of the Colt factory dome, a framed museum type plaque that
states, “As Factory Superintendent C. De Leon had this gun built for him with many special features
& inscription” as well as a binder containing the included documents. Features
checkered grip straps, checkered ivory grips with Rampant Colt medallions
at the tops, the one-line Hartford address on top of the barrel and “38
COLT” caliber designation on the left side, a blade front sight, and top strap
groove rear sight. The left side of the frame carries the two-line patent date
markings followed by a Rampant Colt. The left side of the trigger guard
is marked with a Colt factory triangle “VP” proof. Matching visible serial
numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, and butt.
CONDITION: Very fine overall, retains 99% deep blue factory refurbished
finish and 99% vivid case colors, with minimal handling evidence, and crisp
checkering on the grips with highly attractive natural patina. Mechanically
excellent. This beautiful Colt First Generation Single Action Army revolver,
factory inscribed and made specially for Colt’s Superintendent Carl De
Leon, would make a fine addition to any Colt collection!
Provenance: Colt Superintendent Carl De Leon; The Brig & Louise
Pemberton Collection.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000