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LOT 1443
Magnificent, Documented Cased Alvin White Signed Master Factory Exhibition Engraved and Elaborately Gold Inlaid Colt Single Action Army Revolver Masterpiece for the 1985 Metropolitan Museum of Art Benefit Auction and Colt Collectors Association 2009 Best Single Weapon Winner with Rampant Colt Trophy and Factory Letter - Serial no. MMA-1, 45 LC cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/gold finish, walnut grips. This outstanding late 20th century work of steel canvas art was specifically built by Colt for the famed Metropolitan Museum of Art benefit auction in 1985. Designed, engraved
and inlaid in 18 karat gold by legendary master engraver Alvin White, this Colt SAA masterpiece is considered by some experts to be the most inspired work in White’s distinguished career who has been referred to as the “Dean of American Engraving.” The theme of the extensive flush and relief gold inlays and engraving on the revolver is tied to specific objects found in the collection of the Met’s Arms and Armor Department. These fine inlays include a Swiss dagger, mace, and Peter Pech over/under Wheelock pistol on the barrel, a Japanese sword guard, Merovingian shield boss, stirrup and portrait bust of the department founder Dr. Bashford Dean on the frame, a medieval spur on the trigger guard, and sword on the back strap. The balance features flush inlaid gold scrolls and scroll engraving. A relief gold American eagle is featured on the steel butt cap which is also decorated with gold inlaid scrollwork. The extra cylinder features a relief Renaissance helmet and façade of the United Sates Branch Bank that is part of the Met’s American wing as well as the Met’s logo in flush gold.