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LOT 147
Documented Factory Engraved Colt First Generation Single Action Army Revolver with
Relief Carved Steer Head Pearl Grips and Factory Letter - Serial no. 246909, 45 LC cal., 5 1/2 inch
round bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. Offered here is one of an estimated 4,500 or .012% of the total
First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolvers that left the factory engraved. These early 20th
century factory engraved SAAs are a rarity in Colt collecting. The accompanying factory letter lists this
revolver with a 5 1/2 inch barrel in .45 caliber, nickel finish, pearl stocks, and factory engraved, including
“J.H. Autry to F.S. Seller” on the strap (this inscription has since been removed) when it was sold to “W.H. Kokenot”
sic. (address unavailable) and shipped to Simmons Hardware Co., St. Louis, MO on August 4, 1903 (no information provided
on the aforementioned individual). The H.W. Kokernot Mercantile Company was located in Gonzales, Texas, in the early 20th century, and John H. Autry (1869-1926) was from Gonzales and operated a meat market there and built a ranch in Medina County. F.S. Sellers of Gonzales was a cattleman. The Galveston Daily News on September 11, 1904, noted: “F.S. Sellers will arrive from
Bee County today with a carload of fine steers, purchased there, to be placed on feed.” Simmons Hardware Co. at the time was a huge industrial age enterprise and very well respected. They supplied all manner of goods throughout the central and western plains, none more reliant on their services than cowboys who made their living chasing the horizon. This factory engraved SAA with its steer head carved pearl grips would have certainly made for a prized sidearm carried by a wandering cowboy or rancher. The factory engraving is mostly scrollwork on a punchdot background along with fan, zig zag line and floral blossom motifs. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top and “45 COLT” in a panel on the left side. The frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by an encircled Rampant Colt on the left side. Fitted with pearl grips featuring a relief carved steer head on the right panel. Matching serial number on the frame, trigger guard (inside a banner) and back strap.
CONDITION: Fine retaining 85% of the period replated nickel plating with the factory inscription removed from butt. The grips
are also fine with a chip near the bottom (right panel), crisp carving and attractive colors. Mechanically fine. This Peacemaker has a story to tell from its years on the plains. It is a piece of Americana that was used and worked by the same callused hands that helped shape and mold our history into what we have become today.
Estimate: 10,000 - 15,000
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