1481

Factory Engraving Sample, Alvin A. White Signed Master Engraved Colt Second Generation Single Action

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,750.00 USD Estimated At:5,500.00 - 8,500.00 USD
Factory Engraving Sample, Alvin A. White Signed Master Engraved Colt Second Generation Single Action
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Manufactured in 1963. The revolver features factory class "A" scroll engraving with the engraver Alvin White signature, "A.A.W.", on the right side under the grip. This engraving is featured on the sides of the frame, rear of cylinder, and cylinder chambers, with wedges of the engraving on the muzzle and breech ends of the barrel and ejector rod housing, front and rear areas of the top strap, top and lower sections of the back strap, butt, and trigger guard. Nickel plated with niter blue cylinder catch and frame screws and gold grip screw. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with the letter "W" and the factory triangle proof and the right side is marked with the number "5". The revolver has standard Colt markings on the barrel and frame and is fitted with smooth grip featuring gold Rampant Colt medallions. From 1961 to 1976, Colt Engraver Alvin Whitengraved Single Action Army Revolvers for Colt Firearms. This revolver is consecutively serialized to another engraved Single Action Army featured in this auction and both are identified in R.L. Wilson's "The Book of Colt Engraving", page 365, as being "Sample Guns" of styles Class A, B and C factory engraving that were available on special order. These revolvers were also pictured on the back cover of the 1963 Colt Company catalog to feature the company's engraved offerings. A printed e-mail from Colt’s Historical Dept. to a noted collector of 2nd Generation models also states "37808SA, 37807SA & 37806SA were .45/c with 5-1/2 inch barrels, finish was listed as "In the White", stocks not listed. They were charged to the Sales Expense Account and shipped to Herb Glass in Bullville, NY on February 15, 1963 in a shipment of 3 identical guns. The factory order noted was #10663." At that time, Herb Glass was Presidenof A.A. White Engravers and handled all shipments for the company as well as contracts for engraving work including Colt’s Firearms Co. Note: The third gun, 37808SA, not in this auction, was engraved in Class C coverage, and is also photographed and documented in the Colt Book of Engraving and shown on the back cover of the 1963 Colt catalog as well.
BBL: 5 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Long Colt
Finish: nickel
Grips: simulated pearl
Serial Number: 37806SA
Condition: Excellent. The revolver retains 99% plus original nickel finish with a faint cylinder drag line and a few light handling marks. The grips are also excellent with a few minor handling marks.