September 9, 10, & 11, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/9/2025
This set comes with a myriad of hand written notes but the two most important are the factory letter and the notarized typed letter from Arvo Ojala. In his letter, Arvo states that he purchased this pair of 2nd generation Colts on October 6th, 1959. He furthered this statement in that he customized this pair for Major Riddle. He then furnished a custom fast draw holster set for the Major as well. Arteburn Riddle owned several casinos in the Las Vegas area in the 1950s and was legendary for his high stakes gambling. He was the co-owner of the legendary Dunes Casino and lost it through his gambling. He was also infamous for bringing the “Minsky’s Follies” to the Dunes, the first casino that offered topless dancing. It is well known that he financed the Dunes investment with mob backed teamster financing. The Colt letter lists the serial numbers of both guns being shipped together as blued, 4 - 3/4", .45 caliber and sent to Hollywood Fast Draw Holster which was located in North Hollywood, the address of Arvo's shop. Arvo was a Hollywood legend, a technical advisor on the subject of quick-draw with a revolver who did work on many of the eras most popular TV westerns. He is probably best known for his custom built holsters and altered Colts. This pair of Colts, as reworked by Arvo, included full nickel plating, off set custom fast draw hammers, the smoothest actions ever tested by this writer and custom fitted Colt medallion ivory grips. Each gun is engraved on the back strap "Major Riddle". The custom fast draw double rig, as made by Arvo, features his name and address on the back of both holsters. Inside the belt, in contrasting brown leather, reads "MAJOR RIDDLE". This is a black dyed Buscadero rig, completely hand tooled, with sterling silver billet ends and buckle. The outside of holster is decorated with dozens of gilded ornamentations and each holster has a silver buckle. The cartridge belt measures approximately 38" from post to last hole. CONDITION: Excellent. Both revolvers show in near new condition showing very little use, if any. Neither show any visible face burn but exhibit some light cylinder drag lines and handling marks. Both bores are bright. All legends are as sharp as when they left the factory. The quick draw rig is also in superb condition. A spectacular pair of custom 2nd generation Colts with a storied Las Vegas and Hollywood history. Also includes some vintage casino chips and dice that are mentioned in one of the hand written notes.
CORRECTION: Photos updated.
Accessories
Arvo Ojala built holster rig,dice, casino chips and ammo
Barrel Length
(Both) 4 - 3/4"
Caliber/Bore
(BOTH) .45 Colt
Model
(Both) Single Action Army
Paperwork
Previous owners paperwork, Colt Letters
Serial Number
(A) 28483SA (B) 28484SA