4250 RARE & FINE DOCUMENTED WILBUR GLAHN FACTORY

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This item SOLD at 2026 Aug 08 @ 13:47UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 20,000.00 USD
Estimated at 40,000.00 - 60,000.00 USD
ENGRAVED FIRST GENERATION SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER. Cal. 45 Colt. S# 350477. Bbl 4 3/4". Wilbur Glahn began working for Colt in 1919 and would end up as the primary engraver for the company until his death in 1951. As noted in "A STUDY OF THE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY" by Graham, Kopec & Moore, their survey of factory engraved revolver found a total of 307 that could be authenticated, using this sampling, it is estimated that the total production of factory engraved SAAs to be approx 3,000. Of the surveyed sampling, nickel plated SAA's consisted of 80% of the total, blued & case hardened finish comprised only 10%... Six-shot fluted cylinder. Blue and case color finish. Frame, cylinder, bbl and grip straps have 75% coverage of foliate scroll hand engraving. Top of grip frame and bottom of butt bear the signature "V" of Wilbur Glahn. 2 piece pearl grips with silver rampant Colt medallions. Right panel has raised steer head carving with emerald? nostrils. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: letter from Colt Mfg Co. dated July 27, 2016 states Serial Number: 350477 / Caliber: .45/c / Barrel Length: 5 1/2" / Finish: Blue / Type of Stocks: Ivory / Factory Engraved: Yes / Shipped To: Alker-Donovan Company / Address: New Orleans, Louisiana / Date of Shipment: October 18, 1929 / Colt Factory Order: #12402/6 / Number of Same Type Guns in Shipment: 1". Letter further states that the revolver was returned twice to the Colt factory after leaving the second time, in 1932, it is noted as being finished with pearl stocks. CONDITION: fine. 90% blue showing edge and carry wear with outside edge of ejector housing thinning to brown. Frame and hammer retain 90% original case colors showing light fading. Very good grips. Tight action. Very good bright bore. (26-289/BH). CURIO. $40,000-60,000.