Page 177 - 4095-BOOK3

175
LOT 3195
Phenomenal Well-Documented Wilbur Glahn Factory Engraved First
Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Relief Carved Steer Head
Ivory Grip and Factory letter - Serial no. 353598, 32-20 cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl.,
blue/casehardened finish, antique ivory grips. The included factory letter indicates
this incredible work of Colt artistry was shipped to Clapp & Treat of Hartford,
Connecticut, on April 10, 1930 and confirms the 7 ½ inch barrel in .32-20 caliber,
blue finish, grip material, and factory “B” engraving. This was the sole gun in the
shipment. Though highly sought after today, the popularity of engraved firearms
decreased in the late 19th century and into the 20th century. 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, and very few remain in mint condition like our current piece.
The revolver has been featured on page 377 of “The Colt Engraving Book, Volume
Two” by R.L. Wilson where it is noted as engraved by Wilbur Glahn. While the
photographs in the book clearly show the revolver is exceptional, having it in hand
truly shows the quality of the engraving and carving and the extraordinarily rare
nearly new condition. The factory grade “B” engraving from Master Engraver Wilbur
Glahn, a steer carved on the right grip, and exceptional condition combine to make
this beautiful Single Action Army among the most desirable of all Colt revolvers.
The revolver has scrollwork with beaded backgrounds and floral accents. The top
of the ejector rod housing is decorated with a scallop pattern, and a simple wavy
line adorns the rear of the cylinder. There are also “V” elements in the engraving on
the butt, recoil shield and loading gate which are regarded essentially as Glahn’s
signature or trademark. Matching serial numbers are marked on the frame and
under the right grip. The assembly number “588” is marked on the loading gate
and on the rear of the frame on the right. The barrel has the standard blade front
sight, the one-line Hartford address on top, and “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .32-20”
on the left in an engraved panel. The frame has the two-line patent marking and
Rampant Colt trademark on the left. The left side of the trigger guard has a “4” and
the “VP” proof. The grips has silver Colt medallions at the top and the raised relief
carved steer head on the right side.