May 18, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2022
Third Generation Single Action Army revolver manufactured by Colt as part of a fundraising effort to bring the original bronze statue that sat atop the blue onion dome from 1865 into the late 1980s to the Museum of Connecticut History in the State Library. This revolver was engraved by master engraver Barry Lee Hands. Hands, having served as President of the Firearms Engravers Guild of America since 2012, has traveled the world perfecting his craft, and has worked with notable American firearms manufacturers such as Colt, Winchester, and Ithaca. This revolver features masterful scroll and punch dot engraving, with the frame being case color finished and the barrel, cylinder, trigger guard, and grip straps retaining a lustrous deep blue finish. Frame is mounted with a 1-piece checkered ivory grip. Frame features a gold relief inlaid Colt Onion Dome on the recoil shield as well as a gold relief inlaid Colt coat of arms on the loading gate. Non-fluted cylinder features relief engraved scroll borders, with wonderful double gold bands at the front and rear, and a relief gold inlaid Rampant Colt present on either side of the cylinder. Barrel exhibits gold bands en suite at the muzzle and breech. Rear grip strap exhibits Samuel Colt's signature between relief scroll engraving, with additional relief scrollwork present on the butt followed by Hand's signature "Barry Lee Hands". Revolver is accompanied by its matching factory box, with the end label indicating "TYPE "B" MASTER ENGRAVING W/RELIEF, IVORY STOCKS", as well as a glass top display case containing a plaque inscribed "COLT STATUE PRESERVATION / SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER/ 1 RAMPANT / DONATED BY COLT'S MANUFACTURING CO., INC. / OCTOBER 1, 1994". CONDITION: Excellent, with metal components retaining virtually all of their original factory applied finish, save for a few small nicks and marks from handling and storage that are mostly concentrated on the right side of the barrel. Mirror bore, exhibiting well-defined lands and grooves throughout. Grips show a few nicks to the checkering as well as some minor losses around the bottom edge but are otherwise fine. Matching factory box is excellent. Glass top display case is en suite. An extremely attractive Single Action Army revolver, masterfully engraved by Barry Lee Hands. MLW