Description
This Colt Officer’s Model MK IV Series 80, crafted in 1995, is more than a finely engraved sidearm; it’s a tribute to the hand and vision of Master Engraver Robert Bromley Valade, better known as the “Engraver to the Stars.” His work graced the collections of legends like Ringo Starr, Chuck Yeager, Clint Eastwood, Roy Rogers, and even President Ronald Reagan, for whom he created a pair of now-famous Single Action Army revolvers.
Valade’s artistry is immediately evident here. The nickel finish gleams with mirror-like precision, catching light and shadow in equal measure. Every engraved line feels intentional, controlled, and deeply personal, the mark of a craftsman who knew exactly where to let metal breathe and where to make it sing. Chambered in .45 ACP with a 3.5-inch barrel, this Colt balances compact power with refined elegance.
But it’s the small details that give this piece its soul. The grips, made of genuine red stag, are warm in tone and rich in texture, perfectly matching the revolver’s gleam and adding both contrast and character. It rests within a custom American walnut display case, its deep wood grain paired beautifully with plush cardinal-red velvet that cradles the pistol like a keepsake. A fitted key locks it away, making it more of a jewelry box than a gun case.
Inside, you’ll also find a comprehensive biography of Robert Valade, offering a rare glimpse into the life of the man behind the metal.
Since his passing in 2016, Valade’s engraved works have only grown more treasured, not just for their aesthetic beauty, but for the stories they carry. This Colt Officer’s Model MK IV stands as a collector-grade piece in every sense: pristine, personal, and historically significant.
It isn’t simply a firearm. It’s a reflection of the golden age of American gun engraving and one of the last signatures of a man who helped define it.
