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LOT 3197
Weldon Bledsoe Signed Engraved Antique Black Powder Colt Single Action Army Revolver - Serial no. 154297, 38 WCF cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips.
Manufactured in 1894 and subsequently beautifully engraved by Master Engraver Weldon Bledsoe. Bledsoe is most famous for his cattle brand
motif, but like any other great engraver he occasionally did other designs which
is the case with this revolver. It features 85% coverage of floral scroll with a punch dot background. The underside of the barrel, front strap and cylinder flutes are the only surfaces not engraved. The right rear of the frame is Bledsoe’s famous small monogram signature. The barrel has the two-line Hartford address on top and “38 WCF” on the left side. The frame has the two-line patent dates marking. The back strap is unnumbered. Matching serial numbers on the frame and trigger guard. CONDITION: Fine as masterfully engraved by famed master engraver Weldon Bledsoe, retaining 99% of the nickel finish over some pitting. The grips are also very fine with highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,500 - 7,500
LOT 3198
Cole Agee Style Cattle Brand Engraved First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Relief Carved Steer Head Pearl Grip and Holster - Serial no. 294768, 38 Special cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips.
This is an outstanding example of a first generation Colt Single Action Army revolver that subsequently received a full custom engraving 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 left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by an encircled
Rampant Colt. The trigger guard is unnumbered. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame and back strap. The right grip panel has a relief carved steer head featuring jeweled eyes and brass nose ring. The “MEXICO” marked leather holster is lightly tooled.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally cattle brand engraved, retaining 98% plus of the nickel plating with limited handling marks. The attractive grips are fine with a couple small chips, a small repair, fiery colors and crisp carving. Mechanically fine. Holster is very fine.
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
NOTICE THE SIGNATURE OF ENGRAVER WELDON BLEDSOE
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