Description
This collector’s Factory-Engraved Colt 3rd Gen Single Action Army Revolver is a testament to craftsmanship that transcends the traditional canvas, showcasing a blend of functional design and fine artistry. Departing from the Colt Manufacturing Company’s facility on October 21, 1999, the .45 Colt caliber revolver, with a barrel length of 7.5 inches, was initially sent “in the white” and sans grips to the esteemed Master Engraver George Spring for embellishment.
Spring meticulously adorned the Colt 3rd Gen Single Action Army, combining broad and slender gold bands at the muzzle and breech end. The latter’s design extends into the ejector rod housing with an elegantly undulating line. An Art Deco scroll inlay framed by precise engraving sets off the barrel’s top and the ejector housing’s side.
The black powder frame is distinguished by a floral scroll covering 80% of Colt 3rd Gen Single Action Army surface. It is set against a muted background with gold-inlaid scrolls woven into the engraving, further enhanced by tulip scrolls on the top strap. Delicately raised gold borders grace the lower frame, recoil shield, and loading gate, each subtly engraved to accentuate the relief.
Synchronicity in design is evident as the cylinder echoes the barrel’s motif. The trigger guard, hammer, and backstrap are framed by gold inlays that encircle the floral panels and scrolls. The exclusive serial number “SPRING 1” is meticulously hand-cut into the frame’s base.
Included with this work of art is a letter of authenticity from George Spring himself, paired with a dialogue between Spring and the renowned collector and “Fine Colts” author, Dr. Joseph A. Murphy, detailing the revolver’s conception for the 1999 Colt Collectors Association exhibition in San Francisco and its subsequent acquisition by Murphy.
The Colt 3rd Gen Single Action Army is in exceptional condition. Master Engraver George Spring’s work preserving over 99% of the original blue finish, marked only by the minor handling signs, and maintaining sharp, detailed engravings. The cylinder remains pristine, suggesting it has never been rotated, and the hammer is fixed, likely due to its status as a display model. This splendid Single Action Army is more than just a firearm; it is a conversation piece, a true masterpiece to enhance any Single Action Army or Colt engraving connoisseur’s collection.
