Description
Here’s something you don’t see every day—a matched set of Colt Single Action Army revolvers, created in 1986 and delivered a year later as a special limited edition. Only 45 of these were ever made, and this particular pair—serial numbers FBF-008 and 008-FBF—was crafted exclusively for associates of First Bankers Friends in Pompano Beach, Florida. They’re more than just guns—they’re a gesture of distinction.
Each revolver tells its own story. One is chambered in .45 Long Colt, the other in .44-40 Winchester. And while they’re clearly a pair, they each bring their own flavor to the table. The .45 LC features a smokeless powder frame with rosewood grips and a clean, modern barrel marking. Its twin in .44-40 leans more traditional, with a black powder frame, walnut grips, and an old-school barrel address that nods to the past.
But let’s talk artistry—because these aren’t just mechanically beautiful, they’re visually stunning. Both guns were hand-engraved by the late Ben Shostle of Muncie, Indiana, a FEGA master engraver known for turning steel into canvas. The scrollwork is rich and flowing, with fine gold lines accenting the barrel and dual gold bands wrapping around the cylinders. The First Bankers emblem sits proudly in gold on each grip, with the name etched down the left side of the barrel. Three gold stars shine from the underside of each grip—small touches, but they add up.
Of course, you get more than just the pistols. Each comes nestled in a custom quartered oak display case, lined in plush red velvet—because presentation matters. The cases are engraved with “THE FIRST BANKERS,” the specific caliber, and the Colt name. Inside, you’ll find a gold-plated cartridge, a First Bankers commemorative medal, and all the original Colt paperwork, plus keys and documentation explaining the set’s unique origins.
So, whether you’re a Colt enthusiast, a serious collector, or just someone who appreciates when craftsmanship and history come together in a box, this matched pair is more than worthy of a spotlight. They’re not just rare—they’re memorable.
