Factory presentation inscription to J. George Accles Colt First Generation Single Action Army

The accompanying factory letter states this revolver was charged as a "Factory Selling Expense" and shipped on September 6, 1923, to Colt Sales Manager D. G. Phelps, with the noted factory engraved presentation inscription to J. George Accles on the backstrap, in .45 caliber, with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and type of grips not listed, as the only gun of its type in the shipment. The factory inscription on backstrap reads "PRESENTED TO J. GEORGE ACCLES./BY COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO. SEPT.4.1923" in two lines. James George Accles (1851-1939), born in Australia and residing out of England with plenty of travels to the United States, was a well-respected firearms consultant and engineer associated with The Gatling Gun Co., who is most famous today for his patented invention of the large round donut shaped magazine commonly referred to as the "Accles Drum" used on the Colt Model 1883 Gatling guns. This presentation Single Action Army revolver serves as a strong symbol of the value of his many years worth of various contributions towards the further development of the Gatling gun and the Colt company in general. The one-line Colt Hartford address is marked on top of the barrel, with "45 COLT" on the left. The two-line patent date markings are on the left side of the frame followed by the Rampant Colt. The front of the trigger guard has a British crossed scepters proofmark, fitting for this revolver considering Accles resided in England. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with the number "3" above a factory triangle "VP" proof. Matching visible full serial numbers on the frame, grip straps, and hand etched on the interiors of the grips, with matching "31" on the rear of the cylinder. Matching assembly number "833" on the loading gate and rear of the frame. Blade front sight with frame-top groove rear sight. Also includes biographical information in reference the Gatling Gun and Accles' contribution to its development, along with a January 28, 2007, dated typewritten letter signed by dealer Kurt House that mentions this gun by serial number and further states, "In closing, it is worthwhile to mention that the Accles gun described was once sold in a Bourne auction, about 1986 and at that time, according to a well known Colt dealer who tried to buy the gun, that it was accompanied by a photo showing men in derby hats presenting the gun, perhaps at the Colt factory to J. George Accles. To date this photo has not been located, but research is continuing to locate it and it will then be placed with the gun to record this historical event."

Condition

Fine, retains 40% original blue finish, with muted original case colors showing on the hammer and protected side of the loading gate, smooth silvery gray patina on the balance, limited minor surface pitting, and distinct markings and edges in the metal. The grips are very fine, with tight fitment, a few minor nicks, and crisp checkering and logos. Mechanically functions. A very special Colt Single Action Army revolver presentation inscribed to the prominent James G. Accles of Gatling gun fame!