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LOT 3196
Factory Engraved Colt New Service Double Action Revolver with Checkered Ivory Grips and
Factory Letter - Serial no. 317910, 45 Long Colt cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, checkered
ivory grips. This is an attractive example of a factory engraved Colt New Service Revolver that was
manufactured in 1923. Although not named specifically in the letter, the time-frame and style
of the engraving leads us to believe it was executed by the Master Engraver William Gough. This
example has 50% coverage that consists of the large open petal floral engraving with complementary vine/scroll engraving overall.
Both sides of the upper area of the frame has the larger inverted “V” style engraving with diminutive scroll engraving below that; both a
characteristic of W. Gough engraving. This revolver is accompanied by a Colt factory letter that states this revolver was a “1” gun shipment
in May 1923 and was sold to Riverside Cycle and Sporting Goods, but it was shipped to “Tuft-Lyon Arms Company in Los Angeles California”.
The current configuration of this revolver matches the letter exactly. A very similar example of the engraving on this revolver is shown on
page 325 of “The Book of Colt Engraving” by Wilson. He also notes that less than “10 Target Models” were ever factory engraved. The top of the
barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A./PAT’D AUG 5, 1884, JUNE 5, 1900, JULY 4, 1905” with an engraving pattern on each
side of the barrel. The left side of the barrel is marked “NEW SERVICE 45 COLT” in a banner. The Rampant Colt trademark is located in a panel on the left side
of the frame behind the cylinder catch also intertwined with an engraving pattern. The matching serial number is stamped on the inside of the frame well
and on the crane. The underside breech end of the barrel and left side of the grip frame (under the grips) are stamped with matching assembly number of
“889”. The frame cut out and the cylinder crane are both correctly stamped with serial number. It has the flat top upper frame with windage adjustable rear
sight and the adjustable beaded, blade front sight. It is fitted with and documented as being shipped with ivory grips, both have a fine checkered pattern
on each side with Colt silver medallions at the top. Additionally, this revolver has 9 “kill notches” (6 on the left side and 3 on the right).
CONDITION: Very fine with 75% of the original blue finish overall with edge, high spot and holster
wear. The grips are good with a nice aged yellow color overall with the tops of the checkering worn.
Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 12,000 - 20,000
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