#39 • Lettered, First Ever Howard Dove Factory Engraved Colt Single Action Army Revolver, 45 Long Colt with Colt Case

Part of June Firearms Auction (live auction by Linkous Auction Group)

High bid $9,000.00

Status: No sale

An extremely rare collectors piece with factory documentation Howard Dove factory engraved Colt Single Action Army revolver, 45 long colt with factory letter and Colt case. This is the first ever engraved Colt Single Action Army revolver that was engraved by Colt factory Master Engraver Howard Dove. Manufactured in 1982 with the serial number SA07842. 7 1/2 inch blued barrel with engraving around the muzzle and fixed blade front sight. The combination of case hardening and custom engraving on the receiver truly gives this SAA a one of a kind look. The engraving is considered a class "B" factory engraving and was originally sold to Aeromarine in Birmingham, Alabama in May 1982 as a single gun shipment as indicated by the factory letter. The Colt letter also states that this revolver was in fact the first ever SAA revolver engraved by Dove and the order number was 10723. Adding to the uniqueness, this piece of art was signed "HOWARD M DOVE ENGR. 1s" on the left side of the backstrap under the left grip panel. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard address, the model and caliber are marked on the left. Additional two line patent dates with the Rampant Colt are on the left side of the frame and are crisp. Right side load cylinder has a stunning blueing with elegant engraving and is in fabulous condition and in good time. All serial numbers are matching, bottom of the frame, the left sides of the grip straps and are hand scratched inside of both pistol grips. Two piece hard rubber pistol grips are checkered with Rampant Colts at the tops and American Eagles at the bottom on both sides. Vibrant case colors with very minimum handling visible, maintaining clear and crisp engraving throughout. Mechanically this SAA is excellent. The detailing of the engraving from scrollwork to punchdot background to floral work, this SAA is covered at about 50% of engraving overall. Also includes a dovetailed wood Colt case that has a green velvet custom fit lining. The case has some handling wear. History of Howard M Dove: Howard Dove is a self taught engraver from the 1970s after completing his contract in the Army. By 1978 he was engraving for Colt. Dove continued to engrave for Colt until 1985, when he set up his own shop where he continued to engrave for Colt as well as Winchester. Dove passed away in 1994 unexpectedly of a heart attack at his home in Christiansburg, Virginia. Howard masterfully executed this Colt SAA and is a true piece of history and magnificent artwork! Serial number: SA07842 FFL status: Modern