Documented Glahn Engraved Colt Police Positive Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1921, this revolver is Class A factory engraved with approximately 25% coverage of open vine scrollwork without punch dot shading. Flourishes of engraving are present on the rear sides of the barrel, cylinder flats, frame, top strap, backstrap, and trigger guard. Standard barrel markings remain intact, and the revolver is fitted with checkered walnut grips with silver medallions.

The included factory letter confirms the configuration, except for the grips which are noted as “not listed,” and states it was one of five shipped to Powell and Clement Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 15, 1921. A letter from author R. L. Wilson accompanies the revolver, in which he attributes the work to Master Engraver Wilbur A. Glahn. Wilson noted the engraving displays the unmistakable style and quality of Glahn, Colt’s hand-picked successor to Cuno A. Helfricht as chief factory engraver. Beginning his Colt career in 1919, this revolver represents an early example of Glahn’s work.

Further supporting attribution, the revolver is illustrated and described on page 592 of R. L. Wilson’s “The Colt Engraving Book: Volume Two,” where he again identifies Glahn as the engraver. While engraving is not mentioned in the factory letter, such omissions are not uncommon due to factory oversight or incomplete surviving records.