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LOT 506
Outstanding Alvin White Signed, Master Exhibition Engraved,
and Gold and Silver Inlaid Colt First Generation Flat Top Target
Single Action Army Revolver - Serial no. 355414, 357 magnum cal., 5
1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, smooth grips. Originally manufactured
in 1937, this outstanding Single Action Army revolver was subsequently beautifully
embellished by Colt Master Engraver Alvin White. Only a total of 628 Single Action Army
revolvers were manufactured in .357 Magnum caliber from 1935 to 1940, with this being
one of only three with the flat top frame as noted on p. 182 of “The 36 Calibers of the Colt
Single Action Army” by David M. Brown. This example has the standard one-line address
on top of the barrel and the model and caliber markings on the left. The two-line patent dates
followed by a Rampant Colt are on the left of the frame and “4/VP” is on the left of the trigger guard. Alvin
A. White’s signature gold inlaid mark in on the left of the grip frame under the left grip panel. The masterful embellishment features near full coverage floral scroll engraving with gold inlaid accents and borders, silver inlaid bands on the barrel and cylinder, a gold inlaid standing bear on tip of the frame, gold inlaid wolf head on the recoil shield, and a gold inlaid buffalo skull at the top of the grip strap. It is fitted with a beaded brass blade front sight pinned in a block on the barrel, a notch rear sight in a dovetail on top of the frame, and a pair of smooth grips with Colt medallions. Includes an M.C. Clark letter that appears to be briefly discussing the revolver and a hardwood case that appears to have had some sort of inlay in the lid that is now absent. CONDITION: Extremely fine as masterfully custom embellished
by Alvin A. White, retains 99% plus of the blue and casehardened finishes with minimal handling evidence. All of the gold and silver inlays appear to remain with the silver showing an attractively aged patina and the gold bright. The grips are also excellent with a few scattered light handling marks. A rare Single Action Army variant in its own right, this example is also a beautiful work of art by one of Colt’s most legendary engravers: Alvin White!
Estimate: 7,500 - 15,000
According to David M. Brown in his book The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army only a total of 628 Single Action Army revolvers were manufactured in .357 Magnum caliber from 1935 to 1940, with this being one of only three with the flat top frame.
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