2660 RUGER VAQUERO STUDIO ENGRAVED LEVEL III REVOLVER.

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,250.00 USD
Estimated at 2,500.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Cal. 45 Colt. S# 58-93126. Bbl. 5 1/2" with blade sight; frame notched rear. Test fired January of 2005 (1993 to approx. 2008; replaced by New Vaquero mfg. 2005 to date) as BNV-455-IE which was engraved by Heidi Roos (later of Baron Technology) who hammer and chisel engraved it at Ruger's Studio of Art & Decoration with Level III Western Scroll; 5 revolvers numbered 58-93125 to 58-93129. This revolver along with two others engraved with Level I and Level II engraving were displayed by Ruger at main gun shows plus they were featured in the 2005 Ruger Catalogue. A revolver like this one (58-93125) is noted in the RENE Reference Guide but as KBNV (stainless designation) rather than BNV; all the levels of Roos engravings were blued revolvers. For its display purposes, it is without its firing pin assembly (for safe handling) which can be corrected by a return to the factory; they will not send the parts as they must be factory fitted. Retained in the factory collection until sold through a Ruger auction to benefit Honored American Veterans Afield. The cost of the Level III engraving in 2005 was approximately $5,800. An unusual facet of the revolver is that it has a XRN-3 grip frame as used on the New Vaqueros; also marked with "W" and "D" plus numbered "126" as is the cylinder. Grips are simulated ivory with silver eagle medallions. Ruger's website lists it as shipped 2011 with Model Number 00550; checking 58-93125 lists the same information but shipped 2005. Serial number 58-93127 has no info (likely retained at factory) plus 58-93128 and 58-93129 were both shipped in 2006. One of only 5 Level III engraved Vaqueros that is the highest grade with special features and factory documentation. Fifteen Level I Vaqueros were numbered 58-93100 to 58-93114 and ten Level II Vaqueros were numbered 58-93115 to 58-93124: total of 30 engraved Vaqueros. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: letter of authentication signed by CEO, Michael Fifer plus notice of auction payment received by Ruger of $3,775. Near excellent walnut display case with maroon velvet interior to include plastic bead filled display pillow. Brass hardware, case key plus glass top is satin etched with the Ruger logo and "RUGER Studio". One piece yellow / black box with Ruger applied label on end with only serial number plus outer shipping sleeve. Factory manual plus advertisement copy of the benefit auction. CONDITION: faint cylinder turn line with balance near excellent including bore. (23-6074/NW). MODERN. $2,500-4,000.