Page 381 - 88-BOOK2

LOT 1444
Extraordinary
Documented Howard
Dove Signed, Master
Factory Exhibition Quality
Engraved, and Precious Metal
Inlaid Presentation Cased Pair
of Colt Third Generation Sheriff
Model Single Action Revolvers
with Factory Letters -A) Colt New
Frontier Sheriffs Model Revolver
- Serial no. JUSTICENo1, 38 Special cal.,
3 3/8 inch round bbl., blue finish, original
grips. The included factory letter confirms
the custom serial number, 3 3/8 inch barrel, .38 Special
chambering, royal blue finish with fire blue screws, trigger, and cylinder
pin, grip material and engraving as executed by Colt Master Engraver Howard
Dove, as well as the double ebony presentation case designed to fit both this
pistol and “B” with a compliment of accessories to match the grips when shipped
to Universal Firearms Ltd. DBA Bell’s Gun & Sport Shop in Franklin Park, Illinois on
September 26th, 1987. The letter further lists the revolver as having the special
“JUSTICE No1” serial number flush gold inlaid, type “B” American scroll engraving,
one wide and one thin band at the front of the barrel with a pattern engraved
between the bands, model designation flush gold inlaid on the barrel, flush gold
leaf inlaid scroll engraving on the front sight, flush gold inlaid scroll engraving
on both sides of the hammer, raised gold scrollwork and flush gold inlaid borders
on the frame, raised gold inlaid judge’s gavel on the loading gate, two flush gold
inlaid cylinder bands with line cut pattern engraved between the bands, flush gold
inlaid design and scroll engraving between the cylinder flutes, raised gold and silver inlaid
Lady Justice motif with a banner inscribed “JUSTICE FOR ALL” on the recoil shield, 13 stars flush
gold inlaid beneath the eagle, and scroll engraving on the back strap and trigger guard bow with flush gold inlaid accents, as well as being a set with the include Sheriff’s Model revolver bearing the serial number “FREEDOM No1”. The revolver is signed “HMDove-COLT ENGR.” on the butt under the grip. Howard Dove’s work is some of the most sought after in Colt collecting. He is also one of only two people in the modern era to work as a Master Engraver for both Colt and Wincheste
d r
at the same time. His immense capacity to turn firearms into wonderful pieces of art was highly sought after by everyone from music and film stars to Prince Kalad of India. During his short but fruitful career, he was seen as the official engraver of the Colt Collectors Association creating one of a kind pieces for their shows. Also included with the revolver is 24 pages of correspondence between the original owner and Colt laying out the specifications, and deciding on modifications to those specifications, as well as the original quote sheets, and Colt marketing shots of the revolvers which per another Colt letter were taken at the request of Colt’s Vice President of Marketing as he felt the quality of the set represented the highest Colt could produce.
CONDITION: Excellent plus overall as factory engraved and inlaid by Colt Master Engraver Howard Dove, retaining 99% plus original blue finish with minimal handling marks and crisp engraving. Mechanically excellent. Case is very fine. Accessories are excellent.
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