Page 198 - 4095-BOOK3

LOT 3228
Attractive Ray Viramontez Signed Engraved Colt First Generation Single Action
Army Revolver with Pearl Grips - Serial no. 254341, 38 WCF cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl.,
bright finish, pearl grips. Manufactured in 1904, this revolver was subsequently beautifully
engraved with 75% plus coverage floral scroll engraving by Master Engraver Ray Viramontez, who began engraving around 1967 and
continued until around his death in 2016. Viramontez’s signature “RV” is discreetly on the right side of the frame among the scrollwork.
The style of the engraving is quite traditional in style for the iconic Single Action Army revolver, featuring Germanic/American
scrollwork on all the major components, as well as fan patterns on the top of the back strap, recoil shield, and loading gate. There are
roped bands around the barrel at the muzzle and breech, and at the rear edge of the cylinder. The top of the barrel has the standard
two-line address, while the caliber marking is on the left. The left side of the frame is marked with the standard two-line patent dates
followed by the Rampant Colt. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap
(trigger guard and back strap re-stamped). It is fitted with the standard blade and frame-top groove sights, as well as a very attractive pair of slim, smooth pearl
grips with Colt medallions at the tops. The action has the feel of being professionally tuned.
CONDITION: Very fine as masterfully engraved by Ray Viramontez, with the metal mostly bright, a few scattered patches of very light surface spotting, and crisp
engraving throughout. The grips are also very fine with a few small edge chips on the left panel and otherwise only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically
excellent as professionally tuned. A very attractively embellished Single Action Army!
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
LOT 3227
Weldon Bledsoe Signed, Cattle Brand Engraved, Antique Colt
Single Action Army Revolver with Pearl Grips and Factory
Letter - Serial no. 96199, 45 Long Colt cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel/gold finish, pearl grips. Manufactured in
1883 and subsequently masterfully embellished by Weldon Bledsoe, a former student of the legendary Cole Agee, who innovated the “cattle brand”
style of engraving. This revolver shows the typical Texas style of those two well-known engravers with the almost 100% coverage cattle brand logos,
floral scroll, and punch dot background engraving. The engraver has discreetly signed his work with his typical “W.H.B.” monogram on the right rear of the
frame. The revolver is mostly nickel plated with the cylinder, ejector rod and housing, hammer, and trigger gold plated, and it is fitted with a set of pearl grips. The
included factory letter lists the revolver in .45 LC with a 7 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and grips not listed when shipped to Shoverling, Daly & Gales in New York on
21 February 1888. Also included are two letters from Colt researcher, Dick Staff, incorrectly stating that the revolver was engraved by Cole Agee.
CONDITION: Very fine as masterfully embellished by Weldon Bledsoe, retains 99% of the nickel plating and 95% of the gold plating with some light edge/handling
wear and some scattered light handling marks. The grips are very good with some slight age discoloration and a few age-related hairline cracks.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,500 - 7,500
196