September 9, 10, & 11, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/9/2025
Bryson Gwinnell is a highly respected member of the engraving fraternity, and did work for the U.S. Mint before doing freelance engraving work. This example is a classic Colt Officer's Model that has been embellished around the theme of New York City. The white paint front sight has been replaced with a diamond, and has a vignette of King Kong swatting at biplanes from atop the Empire State Building executed in relief gold on a stippled ground. Square notch flat top rear sight with acanthus scroll work. Left side of slide with a gold inlaid "New York" in gold with decorative elements supported by arabesque scrollwork, on a stippled ground and finely shaded. Right side with "COLT" logo in gold behind cocking serrations, and a relief view of what appears to be Manhattan in an apple with "THE BIG APPLE" in a ribbon. Frame with gold inlaid serial number supported by more scrollwork, gold wire borders, and geometrics. Front strap with decorative gold arabesque work. Even the grips are themed, with the rights scale scrimshawed with the Statue of Liberty, while the left reads "NEW YORK". Even the magazine has not been missed, with a relief gold Rampant Colt and a New York Yankees logo. In a Colt maroon box with end label denoting an Officers AC, with handwritten "NEW YORK 01" serial number and a sticker that reads "43304 / ENGRAVED BY: BRYSON J. GWINNELL". Accompanied by a lighted display case with insets for a small "NEW YORK" logo and an ivory coin with scrimshawed skyline that reads "NEW YORK. Label on lid reads "Colt Officers Model / S/N - New York-01 / Engraved by Bryson Gwinnell / Case by American Display". Discretely import marked for Simpson at magazine well. CONDITION: Excellent as custom finished and engraved, with crisp engraving throughout. Some superficial handling marks common to satin finishes. Rear sight possibly a replacement as condition is not as good as balance of pistol. Gold a little discolored in a few spots, easily celaned if the new owner wishes. Grips excellent. This is an absolutely fabulous example of a modern engraver's work, themed around one of the greatest cities in the world.
Accessories
Display case, box