3726

Extraordinary Master Engraver E.C. Prudhomme Signed Relief Engraved Gold Inlaid Colt Second Generati

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,500.00 - 14,000.00 USD
Extraordinary Master Engraver E.C. Prudhomme Signed Relief Engraved Gold Inlaid Colt Second Generati
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Estimate: $8500 - 14000
Manufacturer: Colt Model: Single Action
Manufactured in 1967 and subsequently embellished by the renowned Master Engraver E.C. Prudhomme in 1973. Prudhomme has signed the revolver "EP" ahead of the trigger guard and "ENGRAVED BY/E.C. PRUDHOMME/SHREVEPORT, LA. 1973" on top of the ejector housing. The barrel has the one line Hartford address on top and "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45" on the left side. Small Masonic compass and square, the letter "P" and an upside down "V" are marked above the left side barrel marking. The left side of the frame has the two line, three patent date marking with a Rampant Colt. The barrel has a dot and line band engraving at the muzzle and a band of scrollwork with two gold inlaid bands at the breech. The barrel also has a deep relief floral scroll engraving on a punch dot background which extends to the front sight. The side of the ejector housing also has the scroll engraving along with a gold inlaid peace pipe. The deep relief scrollwork also appears on the frame, cylinder, trigger guard and top of the back strap along with gold inlaid borders. The left side of the frame has a gold inlaid Native American in a prairie scene as well as a gold inlaid cowboy on horseback. The recoil shield has a detailed gold inlaid Native American head. The right side of the frame has a gold inlaid buffalo as well as a gold inlaid tomahawk. The loading gate has a gold inlaid monogram. The butt has a light engraving and there is a geometric engraving down the length of the back strap. Blue finish with the sides of the hammer polished. Fitted with a smooth one-piece ivory grip. E.C. Prudhomme was a professional wrestler when he began engraving as a hobby in 1932. After World War II he attended art schools in France and the United States before quitting wrestling and becoming a full-time engraver in 1948. Included with the revolver is a signed copy of Prudhomme's book GUN ENGRAVING REVIEW, which showcases the engraving styles of the world's finest engravers of the post-war era, and 1973 R.W. Norton Art Gallery's A Retrospective Exhibition: 1946-1973 (an exhibition of Prudomme's work) souvenir program.
BBL: 5 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Long Colt
Finish: blue
Grips: ivory
Serial Number: 44534SA
Condition:
Near mint as professionally custom embellished by Master Engraver E.C. Prudhomme. The revolver retains most of the blue finish with a few light handling marks. The grip is excellent with some hairline age cracking on the bottoms. Mechanically excellent. This maybe the only chance one has to acquire an example of this most prolific engraver's work!