Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 103

Lot 103:Factory Engraved Colt First Generation Single Action Army

May 17th, 2024|Bedford, TX
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 103

Lot 103:Factory Engraved Colt First Generation Single Action Army

May 17th, 2024|Bedford, TX
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$17,000 - $25,000
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Attractive Documented Texas Shipped Factory Engraved Colt First Generation Single Action Army Revolver with Carved Steer Head Grips, Factory Letter, and Holster

Manufactured in 1915, this Colt Single Action Army revolver is in a very desirable configuration. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver in .45 caliber with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, level 2 engraving, and ivory grips carved with "ox" head when shipped to Shelton Payne Arms Co. of El Paso, Texas, on 30 April 1917. Shelton Payne Arms Co. was a well known Texas supplier of firearms, ammunition, sporting goods, and leather goods. As a very important historical footnote, General George S. Patton ordered his very iconic Cuno Helfricht engraved and silver plated 4-3/4 inch Single Action Army, serial number 332088 from Shelton Payne when he was stationed at Fort Bliss which was delivered in early 1916. Using the most liberal statistics only 2,500 First Generation Colt Single Action Army revolvers of the 357,800 manufactured were factory engraved. The factory engraving on this example covers 90% of the surface. Exceptionally fine floral scrollwork on a punch dot background is featured on the sides of the barrel and frame. The cylinder features alternating scrollwork and fan motifs on the chambers and a wavy zig-zag line and leaf band at the rear. Additional wavy zig-zag lines and scroll appear on the trigger guard, back strap, butt, top strap, and top of the ejector rod housing. Fan patterns are engraved on the recoil shield and behind the hammer. Ahead of the single-line barrel legend is an entwining line and dot motif. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates followed by a Rampant Colt. The trigger guard serial number is inside an engraved banner. The left side of the trigger guard has the number "1" and a Colt factory triangle proof. The loading gate has the assembly number "647. Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, barrel ("5525"), ejector rod housing ("5525"), and rear cylinder face ("5525"). The fabulous engraving is indicative of patterns by Cuno Helfricht and his shop. It is fitted with a correct pair of grips with Colt medallions and a relief carved steer head on the right. Includes a leather holster with embroidered canvas accents.

ConditionVery fine, retains 75% plus of the period applied, likely retailer, nickel finish with a few scattered patches of light pitting and some mild wear showing mostly a smooth grey patina. The engraving is crisp overall with the back strap serial number slightly softened. The grips are also very fine with some scattered hairline age cracks and light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. This is a great opportunity to add a hard to find, factory engraved, First Generation Colt Single Action Army revolver to your collection!
Details
ManufacturerColt
ModelSingle Action Army
TypeRevolver
Serial number
ClassCurio & Relic Handgun
Caliber / Gauge45 Colt
Barrel5 1/2 inch round
Finishnickel
Gripantique ivory

Item LocationBedford, TX
Views4218
Catalog page114
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 3048New Mexico Territory Shipped Antique Colt Single Action Army
View Lot
Lot 3201Factory Engraved Antique Colt Single Action Army Revolver
View Lot
Lot 200Lon Muxlow Antique Colt Sheriff's Single Action Army Revolver
View Lot
Lot 3184New York Engraved Colt Bisley Model Single Action Army Revolver
View Lot
Show More