163

Alvin White/Gene Autry Museum Colt SAA

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:17,500.00 USD Estimated At:30,000.00 - 40,000.00 USD
Alvin White/Gene Autry Museum Colt SAA
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA 92606
Alvin White Engraved and Gold Inlaid Colt Single Action Army Revolver, as made for the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum's 1st Annual Gala Auction Fundraiser, November 18, 1991. Serial no. SA09498 and additionally serialized ''1'', .45 Colt cal., 7-1/2'' barrel, finely engraved and gold inlaid royal blue finish with two-piece mother-of-pearl grips, in fine golden toned velveteen lined French-fitted case with leather exterior as hand-crafted by famous book binder Arno Werner. Revolver is embellished with flush gold inlaid ''1'' on bottom side of frame above serial number, with gold notched and engraved front sight blade. Applied gold depiction of the Autry Western Heritage Museum on left side of barrel; right side inlaid ''Annual Gala/Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum''. Relief gold inlaid Gene Autry's Stetson hat to right side of cylinder; left side with Autry Western Heritage Museum logo of mounted cowboy with lasso in silver on gold background. Flush gold inlaid vine motif borders to frame, triggerguard and backstrap. Gold inlaid bands to muzzle and breech end of barrel, rear edge of cylinder and ejector rod housing. Hammer and both sides of recoil shield with fine inlaid scroll motif, with inlaid Gala eagle to right side. Balance of pistol is 3/4 engraved in a New York tight scroll engraved style. Fine iridescent pearl grips fit impeccably. Revolver is documented by R.L. Wilson with all original receipts, as well as copies of past agreements with the Gene Autry Museum for its occasional display at the museum. Case shows minor internal impressions from contact with metal surfaces; exterior with very minor scuffs from handling. The quality of workmanship truly lends credence to the statement that Alvin A. White was the most distinguished American arms engraver of the 20th Century. It is interesting to note that the late Mr. White's work is on display in the Colt Gallery, the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum, and he has done presentation work for the Colt Firearms Co., and for at least five Presidents of the United States. His work is extensively featured in any publication dealing with American firearms engraving. Condition is mint. A fine example of a modern high-art American firearm. Est.: $30,000-$40,000. (Modern)