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‘Whaler Bill’ as he was known, modified revolvers which are much sought after by collectors
today. He was close friends with Elmer Keith, Ed McGivern and many other shooting notables
in the first quarter of the 20th century. He modified pistols for both men, some of which are
pictured in Keith’s classic work, ‘Six Guns’. The fact that your pistol is in .44 Special caliber
is interesting, as well as O’Meara and more notably Keith were both perfecting .44 Special
loads in this period, all of which later led to the .357 Magnum in 1935 and the .44 Magnum in
1956.” The Friday, October 20, 1933, issue of The Daily Deadwood Pioneer Times newspaper
states, “J.D. ‘Whaler Bill’ O’Meara, well known Lead man, former chief of police of that city,
and for a number of years chief of the Homestake Mining Company detective force, died
suddenly at his home, 213 May street, shortly before 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon.” The
Friday, October 20, 1933, issue of Omaha World-Herald newspaper states, “Deadwood, S.D.,
Oct. 19. - J.D. O’Meara 60 chief of Homestake detectives, former Lead chief of police and
gunsmith died unexpectedly today of heart failure.” The Sunday, October 30, 1921, issue of
The Daily Deadwood Pioneer Times newspaper has an article titled “OFFICERS HOT ON TRAIL
OF ANDREW ROLANDO” that states, “LEAD, Oct. 29- Active search for Andrew Rolando, wanted
in connection with the death of Father A. B. Belknap, Wednesday, was resumed following the
funeral of the priest. Officers in automobiles left on the second expedition into the Black Hills
country. It is the belief, however, that Rolando is in the vicinity of Butte, Montana... Police Chief
J.D. O’Meara believed robbery was the motive, declaring the slayer evidently wanted to steal
the priest’s car.” A 1930 U.S. Federal census lists Joseph D. O’Meara as residing in Lead, South
Dakota, with his occupation listed as a “Special Agent” in the “Gold Mine” industry.
The high quality factory engraving was most certainly performed by Wilbur Glahn who
engraved at Colt c. 1919-1950 as the successor to Cuno Helfricht who was head of
the engraving department at Colt right up until the around the time this revolver was
manufactured in 1921, and this piece wonderfully reflects Helfricht’s lasting influence as
a “transitional” engraved specimen. America’s love affair with the Single Action Army has
continued to endure decade after decade thanks to its use by tough men and women in
the American West as well as by the U.S. military and iconic heroes on the silver screen. It is
certainly one of the most famous of all firearms, and the relatively small number of Colt Single
Action Army revolvers that were factory embellished remain among the most romantic and
desirable of all collectible firearms. R. L. Wilson on page 385 of “The Colt Engraving Book,
Volume One” wrote, “The grand total of engraved Single Action Army revolvers (excluding the
Bisley Model and Flattop Target Model) from 1873 through 1940 is approximately 3,000. A
number of these also included hand engraved inscriptions or monograms. For the period of
Cuno Helfricht (through c. 1921) the total of factory engraved Single Action Army revolvers
was approximately 2,550...” That leaves less than 500 for subsequent years leading up to
World War II. Others estimate as many as 4,500 engraved First Generation Single Action Army
revolvers, but that still accounts for only approximately 1.26% of production based on a total
of 357,859, per production figures on page 25 of “Blue Book Pocket Guide for Colt Dates of
Manufacture” (2008) by R.L. Wilson. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top and
desirable dual caliber markings “RUSSIAN AND/S&W SPECIAL” ahead of “44” on the left
side. The frame has the two-line patent dates on the left followed by the Rampant
Colt trademark. The left side of the trigger guard has the triangular
“VP” proof and “3”. Matching number “1715” on the rear face of the
cylinder, with assembly number “817” on the loading gate. Full
matching visible serial numbers on the frame and side of both the
front and rear grip strap under the grip. The grips have silver
Colt medallions.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 95% plus original blue finish on
the barrel, cylinder, and trigger guard, 85% original blue finish
on the grip straps with some minor fading, 90% plus vibrant
original case colors, front sight has been reset, with absolutely
crisp engraving. Grips are also excellent, with highly attractive
natural grain, minimal handling evidence, and tight fitment.
Mechanically functions, with a light trigger pull.
phenomenal Colt Single Action Army factory
engraved by Wilbur Glahn and
shipped to individual Chief J.D.
“Whaler Bill” O’Meara.
Provenance: The Charles
Marx Collection.
Estimate: 45,000 - 70,000
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