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Cole Agee Engraved Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,800.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Cole Agee Engraved Colt Single Action Army Revolver
serial #183319, 44-40, 4 3/4" barrel with a worn bore with faint but visible rifling its entire length. The revolver was built in 1899 and shows very nicely executed relief floral scroll engraving in quite full coverage. The backgrounds are shaded with neatly executed punch dot shading. The revolver retains 98% excellent post engraving nickel-plated finish overall with engraving remaining sharp and crisp. There is even pitting on the sides of the grip frame and other scattered light pitting that is visible beneath the finish in the unengraved areas such as the cylinder flutes. The revolver cycles and locks up properly but will turn off of the first notch with a little pressure. The revolver wears a pair of nice period and factory mother-of-pearl grips with Colt medallions, they are original Colt but likely not fitted to this gun by Colt. The revolver is accompanied by a 1988 dated letter from Leo P. Benedetti who states that he purchased the gun from Cole Agee at a gun show in Trinidad, Colorado in October of 1946. The letter lists the gun by serial number and states that Agee certified that he engraved the gun. Agee, best known for inventing the "Cattlebrand" style of engraving sold this gun to Benedetti the year before he engraved his first Cattlebrand revolver for the President of Mexico in 1947. A good early example of Agee's engraving. (1C11523-125) {C&R} [Jim Thrash Collection] (4000/6000)