^Lot 3290 UNIQUE CUNO HELFRICHT ENGRAVED COLT SAA REVOLVER,

ATTRIBUTED TO COWBOY MOVIE STAR TOM MIX. Cal. 45 Colt. S# 302657. Tom Mix, 1880-1940, was an iconic western film star during the silent film era, appearing 291 films. A hand written letter from L. E. Flint, a director of the Livingston MT. Round-up Association states that this revolver was given to him by Tom Mix while hunting in North Dakota. Bbl. 4 3/4" with replacement blade front sight. 6-shot fluted cyl. 50% coverage engraving in the classic Helfricht style, consisting of scroll, starbursts, and wavy line & dot patterns. Full silver finish. 2 piece pearl grips. A Colt letter shows that this revolver was shipped on April 16, 1908 to Witte Hardware Company, St. Louis, Mo. Factory rework markings indicate return to the factory presumably for upgrading with engraving by Cuno Helfricht (as attributed by documentation from R.L. Wilson). Rework marking according to R. L. Wilson include: # "4585" on the loading gate, along with an upside down "B 68", "68", "*", "V", "6" & "1" in various location. Cuno Helfricht born January 26th, 1851 in Thuringen, Germany. His father Charles was a German trained master engraver. It is believed that Cuno was trained by his father as an arms engraver circa. 1860-1869. Cuno was employed as an engraver by the Colt firm for his entire career, becoming Colt's Chief Engraver, a position he held until retiring in 1921. UNATTACHED ACCESORIES: Colt Manufacturing Company letter dated February 12, 2004, stating the following: "Serial Number: 302657, Caliber: .45/c, Barrel Length: 4 3/4", Finish: Blue, Type of Stocks: Not Listed, Shipped To: Witte Hardware Company, Address: St. Louis, Missouri, Date of Shipment: April 16, 1908, Number of Same Type Guns in Shipment: 2". Included is a binder containing: a Tom Mix photo & history, the L. E. Flint letter, letters from previous owners and extensive information by noted author R. L. Wilson. In conclusion Wilson states: "The Tom Mix-Cuno Helfricht engraved Colt Single Action Army, No. 302657, is a historic and artistic rarity, with unique ambiance, patina, and documentation. This handsome revolver is well worthy of the finest private or museum firearms collection, and - should photographs be made available - of publication in the author's series of books on Colt engraving". Additional information provided includes: the book "Tom Mix Riding Up to Glory" by John H. Nicholas, "The Life and Legend of Tom Mix" by Paul E. Mix, "The Fabulous Tom Mix" by Olive Stokes Mix, a October of 1972 issue of "The Gun Report" (with article on Tom Mix), Riata Pass Gallery auction catalog and flier from the March 25-26, 2006 auction offering this revolver, as well as an auction invoice for this revolver showing purchase by our consignor on the March 25-26th, 2006 auction. CONDITION: this historic revolver retains over 70% silver finish having acquired a pleasing dark patina over a long period of storage. Forward portion of ejector rod housing shows a 2 1/2" area of added metal repair. Scattered pitting can be found on the areas where the nickel has worn off. Grips show light wear and age related checking. Action is tight and in time. Lightly pitted bore retains intact rifling. A rare opportunity for the advanced Colt collector to acquire an engraved SAA with colorful and detailed history. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Norm Greenberg Collection. (25-4128/DS). CURIO. $15,000-30,000.