Lot 3532

Arvo Ojala Shipped Second Generation Colt Single Action Army

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Arvo Ojala Shipped Second Generation Colt Single Action Army

Estimate: $5,000 - $7,000

Starting Bid: $4,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Legendary Fast Draw Instructor and Holster Maker Arvo Ojala Shipped Nickel Plated Colt Second Generation Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter and R. L. Wilson Note Manufactured in 1967, the included factory letter confirms this revolver's configuration, with a 4 3/4 inch barrel in .45 Long Colt caliber, nickel finish, and hardwood grips when sent with one other revolver of the same type in a shipment to Arvo Ojala Productions at 8415 University City in Hollywood, California, on September 15, 1967, under Colt Factory Order #11511. A Finnish apple farmer who moved to the Los Angeles, California area in the 1950s, Arvo Ojala made a name for himself at the time not only as a quick and competent Single Action Army shooter and skilled holster maker, designing his own steel lined fast draw rig that allowed him to be one of the fastest of the quick in the Hollywood area. Not only would his shop turn out 300-500 holster rigs a month in it heyday, the rigs also turned up in TV Westerns of the time like Gunsmoke and Have Gun Will Travel, and Ojala himself would demonstrate and teach the film stars how to perform a film worthy fast draw. Features fixed blade front and top-strap notch rear sights, The Colt address on top of the barrel with the model and caliber designations on the left side, the two-line patent dates followed with a Rampant Colt on the left of the frame, a triangle "VP" factory proof and "U" on the left of the trigger guard, and "K" on the right of the trigger guard. The hammer is modified with the spur curved to the left side for faster manipulation. Matching full serial numbers on the frame and grip straps, a matching partial serial number on the front of the cylinder, and matching "617" assembly numbers on the frame and loading gate. Fitted with a pair of smooth replacement hardwood grips with Rampant Colt medallions numbered to another revolver. Also includes a printout copy of a page from "The Book of Colt Firearms" signed by noted Colt Single Action Army researcher and author R. L. Wilson, in which he mentions in handwriting the revolver by serial number as belonging to Arvo Ojala along with two other revolvers in this auction, one owned by Sammy Davis Jr. and another that was extensively embellished by Master Engraver Alvin A. White in the previous two lots.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

BBL: 4 3/4 inch round

Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Finish: nickel

Grips: hardwood

Serial Number44655SA

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original nickel finish with some minor cylinder drag lines, some faint scratches, limited minor frosting, and clear markings. Mechanically excellent. Overall a very attractive Colt Single Action Army revolver as owned by legendary fast draw instructor and holster maker Arvo Ojala with the factory letter and copy of a R. L. Wilson note!

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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