Colt by Howard Dove

Many collectors will agree, and history willshow, Howard M. Dove as the eminent master engraver of the 20th century. The engraved Colt Single Action Army revolver, serial number 5547 AM, presented in this lot can only be described as a masterpiece. Reminiscent of the panelscene Colts engraved by 19th century master engravers. This revolver is at least, if not superior, in execution and quality of engraving to those 19th century masterpieces. Using a 125th Anniversary Colt Single Action Army Commemorative revolver made in 1961, Howard Dove masterfully hand-engraved to create this incredible work of art. 7 - 1/2" barrel. Chambered in .45 LC cartridge. Finished in bright nickel, accented with fire blued screws, and cylinder pin. Scrimshawed 2-piece Ivory grips with blind screw hole in left panel. The left grip panel is scrimshawed by Dove, with an image of the famous Lawman & Pony, Colt used as exclusive advertising commonly referred to as "Patches". This is an incredibly accurate and detailed scrimshawed rendition of Frank Schoonover's original art. Howard MacArthur Dove was born in Montgomery County Virginia on August 9, 1942 dying on November 1, 1994, at the early age of 52. Mr. Dove was an U.S. Army Veteran and served in Vietnam as a Special Forces, Green Beret. He was a world renowned Master Engraver having the distinction of working for both Colt and Winchester as a factory Master Engraver. However, many of his most masterful pieces, including s/n 5547 AM, were engraved in his personnelshop, "OLD DOMINION ENGRAVING CO." located in his hometown of Christiansburg, Virginia. Accompanying the revolver is a letter from Old Dominion Engraving Co. dated July 18, 1990, signed Howard M. Dove, Master Engraver for Colt and U.S. Repeating Arms Company. The letters outlines the features of serial number 5547 AM with the following description in Mr. Dove's words: "Cuno Helfricht style with D+ coverage and blue engraved screws. Left recoilshield has high relief scene of a Marshall drawing two Colt SA's. Left side plate has engraved scene from C.M. Russel's painting of "Smoke Of A .45". The right panelside plate has scene partially taken from Fredrick Remington's painting of cowboys chased by Indians ("Dash For The Timbers"). Loading gate has a Colt pistol and 5-point sheriff's badge with ball tips. The ejector rod housing hollow cut has "Wriggle" cut line full length. Rear of cylinder has double wedge cut border and running leaf border. Barrel has checkerboard panel on left and right side. Engraver's signature can be found in the base of the ejector rod housing and under the grips on left side of butt." CONDITION: Near Mint overall, showing little to no wear. Ivory grips have shrunk slightly, exposing edge of the backstrap. It is safe to say this revolver was factory test fired only, and remains in an unused condition. A masterful work of art. -MKS-