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The Class “C” engraving covers 3/4 of the surface in the style of renowned Colt master engraver Wilbur Glahn (1888-1951). From the time he arrived in Hartford in 1919 until the spring of 1950, Wilbur Glahn did the bulk
of the engraving for Colt. His death in 1951 signaled the end of one of America’s family dynasties of firearms engravers. He left behind a legacy of high quality craftsmanship and design, which is certainly showcased on this Colt SAA featuring the highest class of engraving Colt offered
at the time. The embellishment on this very special, historic revolver represents some of the best workmanship. The embellishment features mostly floral scrollwork on punch dot background, along with a leaf pattern on the back strap and butt. The revolver wears a set of silver Rampant Colt medallion grips, and the right panel features a fantastic relief carved steer head. Although not listed in the factory letter, the
carving certainly has all the appearance of being factory, and the quality of carving is undoubtedly in line with the rest of the embellishment.
Colt expert and author R.L. Wilson has noted that only a “few” steer
head carved grips left the Colt factory (see “The Book of Colt Firearms, page 247). This SAA falls in a serial number range of Glahn engraved specimens fitted with factory relief carved steer head grips. For reference see SAA nos. 343242, 350804, 350327, 352803, 356118, 356293, 263480, and 354042 as pictured and identified in R.L. Wilson’s “The Book of Colt Engraving” (pages 299-307). The barrel has the one-line Colt Hartford address on top and “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45” on the left side. Both barrel markings are inside floral scroll panels. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent date marking followed by a Rampant Colt. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, grip strap, and back strap.
CONDITION: Excellent as a masterpiece of Colt artistry with 99% plus original blue finish and 98% plus vivid original case colors, showing limited handling marks and an extremely light cylinder drag line. The engraving is crisp. The grips are also excellent with some minor handling marks, a few typical age lines, crisp carving, and attractive mellow age color and grain. Mechanically excellent. An outstanding work of Colt factory 20th century artistry, this twice Camp Perry shipped Colt Single Action Army Revolver will make a grand statement to the most advanced public or private collections. The condition and historical significance will be nearly impossible to encounter again.
Estimate: 55,000 - 85,000