Lot 73

Cuno Helfricht Factory Master Engraved Colt Single Action Army

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Cuno Helfricht Factory Master Engraved Colt Single Action Army

Estimate: $65,000 - $95,000

Starting Bid: $55,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Highly Desirable Well-Documented Cuno A. Helfricht Factory Master Engraved Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Relief Carved Steer Head Pearl Grips and Factory Letter Manufactured in 1911, this is a highly desirable example of Colt's factory artistry by arguably their most legendary Master Engraver, Cuno A. Helfricht. Also known as the "Peacemaker", Colt's Single Action Army is arguably the most iconic American firearm of all time, with any rare factory engraved examples earning a hallowed place among the pantheon of legendary American arms. These revolvers played a pivotal roll in westward expansion and the story of this nation, finding themselves in the hands of the our fighting men and civilians alike, not only on the American frontier, but frontiers throughout the world, earning a reputation for being as rugged and dependable as those who carried them. Even though engraved firearms remained popular with many powerful and affluent men in the late 19th century and early 20th century, the popularity of engraving overall decreased in the late 19th century and into the 20th century. R. L. Wilson in "The Colt Engraving Book, Vol. I" 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." 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, making surviving examples incredibly scarce and highly sought after among collectors. It is further noted that during the period of Cuno Helfricht being at the head of the Colt engraving shop, when this particular revolver was produced, only around 2,550 Single Action Army revolvers were engraved. Though Colt employed or contracted with many gifted engravers throughout their history, including the likes of Gustave Young and Louis D. Nimschke, there were perhaps none so thoroughly rooted at the company as Cuno A. Helfricht, who dedicated essentially his entire engraving career to the Colt factory. Born in Germany in 1851, Helfricht apprenticed under his father from 1860 to 1869, beginning his career at Colt in 1871, at the dawn of the cartridge era for the company. Within just a few years of being employed by the company Helfricht had become their lead engraver, remaining in that roll until his retirement 50 years later in 1921. Due to the timing of his arrival at Colt, Helfricht oversaw the engraving shop during one of the most transformative periods for the company, seeing the end of the percussion era and transition to cartridge revolvers, the arrival of double action revolvers, and eventually the addition of semi-automatics to the lineup. Examples of all of these different Colt firearms would eventually bear Helfricht's masterful engraving along with the company's shotguns and Lightning rifles. To this day, Helfricht's work remains some of the most highly desired and collectible of not only all Colt engravers, but of all 19th and 20th century American engravers. The included factory letter lists this revolver in .45 caliber with a 7 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and pearl carved steer head grips when shipped to George T. Osgood on 13 October 1911 as the only gun of its type in the shipment. The letter does not mention factory engraving, which is clearly an omission/error by the factory record keeper at the time. Though unconfirmed, the likely recipient of this particular revolver was the legendary firearms collector from Hiram, Maine, George T. Osgood, who is mentioned multiple times in period newspapers as having an extensive collection of incredible firearms. This particular revolver is pictured on p. 287 of "Colt Engraving" by Wilson where it is noted as engraved by Helfricht. Wilson also notes that this revolver is featured on the dust cover of "Colt Firearms from 1836" by Serven, though it is not listed by serial number. When pictured on the dust cover of that book it was fitted with eagle carved ivory grips, and it is also pictured on p. 222 with the same carved eagle grips. Additionally, this revolver is pictured on p. 175 of "Fine & Historic Arms Annual" by The Texas Gun Collectors Association and Rock Island Auction Company. The revolver features factory Class-A engraving that was executed by the master Cuno Helfricht, exhibiting beautiful floral scrollwork on beaded backgrounds on all the major components, some fan motifs, and a few starburst patterns. Overall the engraving encompasses approximately one-third of the surfaces. The top of the barrel has the standard one-line address, while the caliber marking is on the left in an engraved banner. The two-line patent dates are on the left of the frame in an engraved banner followed by the circled Rampant Colt. The left of the trigger guard is marked "VP" and "W". The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. It is fitted with the standard blade front and frame-top groove rear sights, as well as a highly attractive pair of correct pattern replacement pearl grips with a relief carved steer head on the right panel.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

BBL: 7 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Finish: blue/casehardened

Grips: pearl

Serial Number319573

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Provenance: The George T. Osgood Collection; The William L. Rogowski Collection; The Nick Shannon Collection
  • Condition: Very fine, retains 80% of the original blue finish and 70% of the vibrant original case colors with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina and extremely crisp engraving. The grips are also very fine with some age lines on the butts, a reglued piece on the upper right panel, some mild wear, and distinct carving. Mechanically excellent. A stunning example of the artistry of the legendary Cuno Helfricht and the Colt factory!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000