Wilbur Glahn Factory "A" Engraved Nickel Colt SAA Revolver

Here is an Outstanding & Well-Documented Rare Factory "A" Coverage Engraved Colt First Generation Single Action Army Revolver with Double Relief Carved Pearl Grips, featured in "The Colt Engraving Book, Volume Two" Manufactured in 1934. An included Colt archive letter states that the factory shipment record was unable to be located for this serial number, as Single Action Army records in this range "were lost, damaged, or destroyed many years ago." This example features fine factory "A" coverage engraving consisting of floral scroll patterns, which is rare to see in these Colt First Generation Single Action Army revolvers. Factory engraved Colt Single Action Army revolvers are among the most desirable of all American firearms. The Single Action Army itself is arguably the most iconic handgun in history. R. L. Wilson on page 385 of "The Colt Engraving Book, Volume One" wrote, "The grand total of engraved Single Action Army revolvers (excluding the Bisley Model and Flattop Target Model) from 1873 through 1940 is approximately 3,000. A number of these also included hand engraved inscriptions or monograms. For the period of Cuno Helfricht (through c. 1921) the total of factory engraved Single Action Army revolvers was approximately 2,550..." That leaves less than 500 for subsequent years leading up to World War II. Others estimate as many as 4,500 engraved First Generation Single Action Army revolvers, but that still accounts for only approximately 1.26% of production based on a total of 357,859, per production figures on page 25 of "Blue Book Pocket Guide for Colt Dates of Manufacture" (2008) by R.L. Wilson. This exact revolver is featured on page 579 of “The Colt Engraving Book, Volume Two” by R.L. Wilson where it is noted as with an uncommon light amount of decoration and engraved in "A style by Wilbur Glahn." Two-line Hartford address on top of the barrel, and "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45" on the left side, with a blade front sight and top strap groove rear sight. The left side of the frame carries the two-line patent date markings followed by a Rampant Colt. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with the number "4" above a Colt factory triangle "VP" proof. Partial matching serial number "79" on the rear face of the cylinder, with assembly number "385" on the loading gate. Fitted with a set of period pearl grips with detailed relief carved eagle on the left and a steer head on the right. More pictures coming soon!