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LOT 1231
Unique Weldon Bledsoe Signed, Cattle Brand Engraved Antique Colt First Generation Single Action Army .22 Caliber Target Conversion Revolver - Serial no. 134367, 22 RF cal., 7 3/4
inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, smooth grips. Manufactured in 1890 and subsequently converted to .22 caliber
and 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. Even the sides of the hammer are engraved. Bledsoe discreetly signed his
work with his typical “W.H.B.” monogram on the right rear of the frame. The name “H.C. DuBAL” is engraved on the barrel rib. The revolver is fitted with an engraved blade front sight and a square notch rear sight. The left side of the frame carries the two-line patent dates followed by an encircled Rampant Colt. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap.
CONDITION: Very fine as converted to .22 caliber and masterfully cattle brand custom engraved by Weldon Bledsoe, retaining 99% plus of the nickel finish with limited handling marks. The undersize grips are fine with highly attractive color and grain. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
NOTICE THE SIGNATURE OF ENGRAVER WELDON BLEDSOE
218 Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 1232
Cattle Brand Engraved Silver and Gold First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Relief Carved Steer Head Grip
- Serial no. 334803, 45 Long Colt cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., silver/gold finish, smooth grips. This is a fine example of a first generation Colt Single Action Army revolver that was manufactured in 1916, and subsequently fully custom engraved in the traditional Texas cattle brand pattern pioneered by Cole Agee and carried on by Weldon Bledsoe. This highly desirable pattern was developed in the 1940/50s and depicted the more prominent and historic Texas cattle brands used in the 1880s and early 1900s. The engraving covers nearly all of the surface and is in the typical western style with the recognizable “2 Lazy(sideways) 2 P” as well as many other famous Texas brands, all on a punch dot background. The revolver has the standard Colt markings, and matching serial numbers are found on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The right grip panel has a relief carved steer head.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally cattle brand engraved, retaining 98% of the silver and gold plating with limited handling marks. The engraving is crisp. The grips are also very fine with highly attractive color and grain and crisp carving. Mechanically needs work.