Spring 2026 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
February 26th, February 27th, February 28th, and March 1st, 2026
This auction will feature an outstanding collection of items spanning multiple categories including Modern, Military, Sporting, & Antique firearms & militaria! Below is just a small grouping of select highlights from the massive offering to be featured in this upcoming sale!
ONE OF A KIND HOWARD DOVE FACTORY INSCRIBED, SILVER PLATED & OAK LEAF AND ACORN ENGRAVED COLT SECOND GENERATION SHERIFF’S MODEL SAA REVOLVER
25-6323 | Cal. 45 Colt. | S# 0239SM. | Bbl. 3″ ejectorless with blade front sight.
When one thinks of factory engraved SAA revolvers, typical engraving patterns would be Germanic of Foliate scrollwork over a punch dot background. Originally mfg. 1960, subject revolver was sent back to the factory Feb. 12, 1979 for additional customizing. As noted in the factory letter, revolver features one-of-a-kind “B” coverage oak leaf & acorn relief engraving. Backstrap has inscription “Willie P. Dorman”. Lower left of grip frame under grip marked “H. DOVE ENGR 1979”. Consignor states that this was the only revolver Dove engraved in this style as it was a pattern he usually reserved for longarms. Revolver is finished in full silver plating. Howard Dove (1942-1994) is widely considered as one of the greatest contemporary engravers of all time. He was one of only 2 individuals to ever be employed by the Colt Custom Shop & Winchester Custom Shop at the same time and was known as The Official Engraver of the Colt Collector’s Association as he engraved a total of 6 “show guns”. Following his untimely passing, the Colt Collector’s Association dedicated an annual award at their yearly convention for “Best Engraved Colt”; The Howard Dove Award. Revolver is stocked with 2 piece ivory grips emblazoned with silver Rampant Colt medallions, grips are numbered to gun. This gun was featured in an article in “GUNS” magazine (April 1987) by Robert Omeara. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Colt factory letter stating the following: “Serial Number: 0239SM / Caliber: .45/c / Barrel Length: 3” / Finish: Blue / Type of Stocks: Not Listed / Shipped To: Centennial Arms Corp. / Address: 3318 W. Devon St. Chicago, IL / Date of Shipment: October 13, 1960 / Number of Same Type Guns in Shipment: 200 / Remarks: the records further indicate Subject revolver was returned to the factory February 12, 1979 for additional customizing. The customizing was processed on Colt Repair Order Number 87812 and consisted of oak leaf style Type “B” master engraving, the inscription “Willie P Dorman” engraved in script style on the backstrap and the installation of ivory stocks with silver medallions which were supplied by the customer. The revolver was refinished in silver and subsequently reshipped to Mr. Willie P. Dorman c/o Ace Pawn Shop, Fayetteville, NC”. Revolver is housed in a glass top walnut presentation case containing replica Sheriff’s badge and Colt Custom Shop medallion.
PROVENANCE: From the Buckstix Collection. STATUS: CURIO
