I'm hoping some of you folks can recognise the craftsman who did the engraving and the gold inlays on this glorious Colt Single Action Army. The only thing that I know for certain is that he/she had to be associated with John Jovino in the 1978 time frame.


I'll attempt to attach both a long shot and a close-up. If I can only attach one photo, it'll be the long shot. If you'd like to see additional images, you can email me at mr.1897@gmail.com


SS

Ray Lirette
12/12/2011 9:57:47 PM

Ray,
There is nothing in the picture that helps me to identify the engraver of your gun. The most common places to find the signature or mark of the engraver on an SAA are under the grips, under the ejector rod housing, and the front of the frame where the axis pin goes through.

Generally speaking, the method I use to identify an engravers work is by close examinination of the scrollwork. This works with American engravers because they are usually self taught and develop distinctive scroll styles.

Please post a photo of a sharply focused close up of the scrollwork from the side of the frame and I'll try to identify who did it.

C. Roger Bleile

C. Bleile
12/13/2011 10:37:49 AM

Roger,

Thank you for any assistance you may provide. Here's a shot from about as close as my little coolpix will go.

I checked under the grips and found only the serial number and, in a different spot, an uppercase "B". The exercise was worthwhile. I always thought these were faux ivory grips, especially since they seemed flawless. Having seen the inside, I now know better. This gun is one surprise after another!

Ray Lirette
12/14/2011 12:28:09 AM

I can't be sure but it may have been engraved by Andrew Bourbon who was a protegee of Alvin White.

Roger

C. Bleile
12/16/2011 7:49:32 PM

That's certainly a possibility. I know that Alvin White was doing work for the John Jovino shop and was involved in an engraving business with them, if I recall correctly.

Here's a shot of the stunning gold eagle inlay. Perhaps this narrows it down slightly? (The fluff on the talons is from a silicone cloth I wiped it with.)

Ray Lirette
12/17/2011 6:12:19 PM

Ray,

Why don't you contact Andrew. He's a nice guy and will be able to tell you if it is one of his.

Andrew Bourbon
86 William Maker Way
Brewster, MA 02631
Phone: 508-896-5159

Let us unow what you learn.

Roger

ps: There is a chapter on Andrew in my book American Engravers-The 21st Century.

C. Bleile
12/19/2011 9:30:14 PM