Lot 3540

W. E. Lister Engraved Texas Ranger Colt Single Action Army

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W. E. Lister Engraved Texas Ranger Colt Single Action Army

Estimate: $5,500 - $8,500

Starting Bid: $4,750

(0 Bids)

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

William E. Lister Signed, Grade III Engraved, and Silver Plated Texas Ranger Commemorative Colt Second Generation Single Action Army Revolver with Ivory Grips, Display Case, and Engraving Letters Manufactured in 1970, this is one of only 90 Grade II engraved examples of the 200 total engraved Colt Single Action Army revolvers produced to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Texas Rangers. The included December 1, 1980, dated letter from Frank E. Hendricks Master Engravers Inc. lists this revolver as originally purchased by J. B. Dupre, embellished with Grade III engraving by William E. Lister under the direction of Frank E. Hendricks, and delivered on March 6, 1970. The letter also notes the revolver was returned to the Hendricks shop in April 1970 to have the trigger plating reworked and the grips fitted with silver spacers. A second letter, dated December 17, 1970, from F. E. Hendricks Master Engravers Inc. notes that of all the Texas Ranger commemorative revolvers they embellished, 25 were engraved in Grade I, 85 in Grade II, and 90 in Grade III. Features starburst and floral scroll pattern engraving with punch-dot backgrounds covering roughly 50% of the barrel, cylinder, and frame, with the work signed "WEL" ahead of the trigger guard for William E. Lister. Other features includes a Texas star engraved on the underside of the trigger guard, a raised Texas Star surrounded by oak leaves on top of the rear grip strap, along with "TEXAS RANGERS" engraved along the backstrap. Matching full serial numbers on the frame and grip straps, along with a matching partial serial number on the front of the cylinder and matching "989" assembly numbers on the rear of the loading gate and frame. Fitted with a pair of conjoined smooth ivory grips with silver spacers at the front and a silver Texas Rangers badge on the left panel. Includes a glass paneled hardwood presentation display case French fitted for the revolver, containing a Texas Rangers badge display, and a matching "156" numbered cow-hind covered hard copy of "A Pictorial History of The Texas Rangers".

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

BBL: 7 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Finish: silver

Grips: ivory

Serial Number156TR

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Excellent overall, retaining 99% silver finish with some faint cylinder drag lines, some areas of patina, crisp engraving, and attractive grip coloration. Mechanically excellent. The case is exceptionally fine with limited minor storage wear.

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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