3134

COLT 2ND GEN. SINGLE ACTION ARMY FACTORY

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
COLT 2ND GEN. SINGLE ACTION ARMY FACTORY
ENGRAVED SEPARATELY CASED PAIR. BOTH: cal. 44 Special. S# 22SPL & 33SPL. Bbls. 7 1/2” and 5 1/2” respectively. Blue & case hardened, walnut grips w/ silver medallions & class “C” plus engraving as stated on the enclosed factory letter. “Custom Edition” is 24k gold inlaid on the left side of the barrel as well as the serial number in 24k gold. The style of engraving is that used on most Colt SAA revolvers prior to 1921 and this is the only factory letter that we have ever seen that describes the engraving as “C plus”. Both have 2 piece walnut grips w/ silver Rampant Colt medallions. These two guns were part of a 50 gun custom edition that was produced in 1976 using 2nd generation parts to launch the establishment of the Colt Custom Gun Shop. The even numbered guns were 7 1/2” bbl. and the odd numbered guns were 5 1/2” bbl. These guns are well known and pictured in four different books. Wilson’s “Colt Engraving” on page 489, Garton’s “Colt’s SAA Post War Models” on page 132, Wilkerson’s “The Post-War Colt Single Action Revolver (1st Edition, 1978)" on page 89, Wilkerson’s “The Post-War Colt Single Action Revolver (2nd Edition, 1980)" on page 242. The two Wilkerson books are included as a part of this lot. Also included as a part of this lot is a 1977 magazine article from “Aqua Field” explaining about the long history of engraved guns at Colt and the establishment of the Colt Custom Shop in 1976. Included is a 1980 advertisement from “Cherry’s Sporting Goods News” explaining the connection between the issuing of this 50 piece custom edition in 44 Special and the launching of the Custom Shop. Also included in this lot are original photos of the Custom Shop Superintendent, Al DeJohn and 3 of the in-house engravers: Leonard Francolini, Robert Burt, and Dan Goodwin at their work benches. For the collector of Colt factory engraved SAA this is an opportunity to take a step forward in upgrading their collection w/ factory engraved guns that are gold inlaid, pictured in several books, have historical ties to the Colt Custom Shop, and all of that in 2nd generation. This array of complete documentation enhances the overall value of firearms and stands out, whether being displayed at a show or within your collection. This lot has been in the private collection of the consigner for over 30 years and not previously offered at auction. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: both guns are housed in walnut display cases w/ French fitted gold velvet. As described above to include 2 factory letters, "Aqua Field" article; "Cherry's" advertisement & original photographs w/in a binder along with 2 Wilkerson books. CONDITION: both as new in separate cases w/ unturned cyls. 1) S# 22SPL. (20-115/WD). 2) S# 33SPL. (20-116/WD). BOTH MODERN. $10,000 -15,000.