American Handgunner – March / April 1985

A factory engraved Colt isn’t just a firearm with decoration added to it; it’s functional art tied directly to Colt’s production legacy, often backed by archival records that trace its story back to the day it left Hartford. Whether it’s the bold scrollwork of Gustave Young or a fully cased presentation revolver with gold inlay, these pieces sit at a rare intersection of mechanical precision, artistic expression, and American history that collectors don’t just admire but actively pursue.