Consecutive Pair of Alvin A. White Signed Master Engraved Colt Second Generation Single Action Army Revolvers with Relief Carved Steer Head Pearl Grip


Description:
An exceptional collector-focused pair of consecutively numbered Colt Single Action Army revolvers, manufactured in 1962 and custom engraved by Master Engraver Alvin A. White. With direct Herb Glass Sr. provenance, Alvin White’s own “A.A.W.” signature, hand-carved pearl grips, and a fitted presentation case, this pair represents a rare and historically significant example of mid-20th-century Colt custom engraving artistry.

• Matching consecutive Colt Single Action Army pair:
  • Serial number 36862SA
  • Serial number 36863SA
  • Manufactured in 1962
• Engraved by Master Engraver Alvin A. White:
  • Both revolvers are beautifully custom engraved by Alvin A. White
  • White’s hand-inscribed initials, “A.A.W.,” are signed on the right side of the front grip straps
  • Engraving covers approximately 75% of the surfaces on each revolver
  • The engraving features floral scrollwork on a punchdot, finely stippled background for added contrast and depth
• Engraved areas include:
  • Barrel
  • Ejector housing
  • Frame
  • Hammer
  • Loading gate
  • Trigger guard
  • Rear grip straps
• Important Herb Glass Sr. provenance:
  • Includes a letter from noted Colt collector and dealer Herb Glass Sr.
  • Letter is dated March 10, 1967
  • The letter states: “This pair of guns, serial numbers 36862 and 36863, were custom engraved by Alvin White who also hand carved the mother of pearl grips. These guns were prepared as samples of his work when we were seeking to get the engraving business from the Colt Company. At that time, we prepared about a dozen samples for submission to the company. After we acquired their business, these samples reverted to me. Special care and engraving design was put into these guns and as far as I know, we have not to date, duplicated this particular pair.”
• Particularly desirable collector significance:
  • Prepared as sample guns by Alvin White while seeking engraving business from Colt
  • Described by Herb Glass Sr. as receiving “special care and engraving design”
  • Stated by Glass to be a pair that, to his knowledge, had not been duplicated as of the 1967 letter
  • Consecutive serial numbers make the pair especially attractive to advanced Colt collectors
  • Direct association with both Alvin A. White and Herb Glass Sr. adds notable provenance and historical importance
• Grips:
  • Both revolvers wear pearl grips
  • Herb Glass Sr.’s letter identifies them as hand-carved mother of pearl grips by Alvin White
  • Each grip set features inlaid Rampant Colt medallions at the tops
  • Detailed relief-carved steer heads:
    • “A” gun has the steer head on the left side
    • “B” gun has the steer head on the right side
• Related collection note:
  • Another Alvin White engraved revolver, consecutively serial numbered 36864SA, is offered from the same collection in the following lot
• Presentation case:
  • Includes a leather-wrapped case
  • Fitted interior designed to house the pair
  • Interior is lined in red felt
• Collector appeal:
  • Consecutively numbered Colt Single Action Army revolvers
  • Master-engraved and signed by Alvin A. White
  • Documented by a 1967 Herb Glass Sr. letter
  • Hand-carved pearl grips with Rampant Colt medallions and relief steer heads
  • Special sample-gun history connected to obtaining Colt engraving work
  • A highly distinctive, presentation-worthy pair with strong desirability for serious Colt and engraved-arms collectors

Condition

A) Colt Single Action Army Revolver
Excellent overall, retains 99% plus original nickel finish with crisp engraving, minimal handling evidence, and highly attractive fiery colors in the grips with a distinct carved steer head. Mechanically excellent. Case is very fine.

B) Colt Single Action Army Revolver
Excellent overall, retains 99% plus original nickel finish with crisp engraving, minimal handling evidence, highly attractive fiery colors in the grips with a small age line on the lower right, and a distinct carved steer head. Mechanically excellent. A great opportunity to own a highly attractive consecutive set engraved, and relief carved, by arguably one of the finest master engravers of the 20th century!

Handgun Caliber: .45 Colt
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: 36862SA & 36863SA
Barrel Length: 7 1/2 inch round
Condition: The bore is mostly shiny with some areas of smooth brown patina and crisp rifling.
Finish: nickel
Grips: relief carved pearl

Price: $30,000.00