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Exceptional Cased Weldon Bledsoe Cattle Brand Engraved Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Ivory G

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,800.00 USD Estimated At:4,500.00 - 6,500.00 USD
Exceptional Cased Weldon Bledsoe Cattle Brand Engraved Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Ivory G
This is a nice example of a custom engraved Colt Single Action Army revolver manufactured in 1973 and subsequently custom engraved and embellished by noted Cole Agee taught Master engraver Weldon Bledsoe. The revolver is nearly completely covered with cattle brand and broad leaf floral scroll engraving with a stippled background. The brands are well executed in the typical Texas style with the recognizable "7 UP", "XIT", "OK" and many other famous Texas brands. The lower left of the frame is signed with Bledsoe's intertwined "WB" amid the scroll engraving. The only surfaces not covered are the front strap, the inside area of the trigger guard, hammer and the cylinder flutes. Bledsoe, exactly like Agee, never engraved the hammer of a cattle brand gun. Bledsoe was an engraver by trade, however never engraved a gun. In 1950 he moved to New Orleans and was working for Halton Jewelers. Bledsoe liked guns, but the store didn't handle them. He heard of Cole Agee and visited him at his shop. Agee felt there was enough work for both of them and shared his skills and special shortcuts with him, eventually he was introduced to the cattle brand style of engraving. Agee personally tutored Bledsoe when he began cattle brand engraving on his own. Agee reportedly gave his Texas cattle brand booklet to Bledsoe. Bledsoe later taught David Wade Harris, the third of three well known cattle brand engravers, the art of engraving. The revolver has the standard barrel and frame markings and is fitted with smooth one piece ivory grip with silver Colt medallions. Complete in a walnut case with wine colored velvet lining.
BBL: 4 3/4 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 LC
Finish: nickel
Grips: ivory
Serial Number: 68773SA
Condition: Custom embellished and replated with 99% nickel finish remaining. There is a small area on the cylinder where the finish has flaked off. The grips are excellent with a few hairline age cracks and a very attractive grain. Sharp markings and engraving. The action is excellent. The custom case is fine.