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30th. Anniversary 2010 Show Firearm

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Colt Single Action Army Buntline Special
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Article by Earl L. Whitney Photography by Paul Goodwin

The work on a CCA Show Gun starts several years before the annual show and represents the talent of a select group of outstanding American craftsmen, artisans and devoted Colt collectors from all over the country. At the Concord 2009 Auction a CCA member asked how long it took to assemble a CCA Show Gun. The answer - more than 36 months, countless hours and hundreds of phone calls. The Tulsa 30th Anniversary Show Gun and accessories will have traveled more than 14,000 miles from date of manufacture to its finish. Starting in Connecticut, CCA 2010 made 14 stops in 11 states before reaching Tulsa, Oklahoma. CCA 2010 made a new stop this year- the 139th NRA Charlotte, North Carolina Convention.

The Spirit of Oklahoma

By Toby Hinesley

The engraved and inlaid figures and scenes on the Show Gun captures the rich heritage of Oklahoma; a state with a history as colorful as the land itself. The name Oklahoma comes from the Choctaw words ‘’okla’’ meaning people and ‘’humma’’ meaning red. Literally, it translates to ‘’red people’’ or ‘’land of the red people’’. The inlaid lance on the triggerguard honors the essence of this Indian heritage. Home to Indian tribes such as the Comanche and Osage since historic times, Oklahoma came to be known as Indian Territory. Other tribes, such as the Choctaw, Creek, Chickasaw, Seminole and Cherokee, are known as the ‘’Five Civilized Tribes’’. The Cherokee were forcibly relocated to Indian Territory between 1828 and 1848. Their trek came to be known as the ‘’trail of tears’’. Honoring the ‘’Five Civilized Tribes’’ is the engraved Indian Chief on the cylinder. On the recoil shield is an Osage warrior’s war shield decorated with seven eagle feathers. Superimposed upon the face of the shield is a calumet or peace pipe, crossed at right angles by an olive branch, representing symbols of peace and unity from the cultures of the Native American and European-American settlers in the territory.

Eventually a total of 67 tribes inhabited the Indian Territory now known as Oklahoma. Each tribe had their own customs but common to the majority of tribes was the deep meaning, both materially and spiritually, held by the buffalo. The buffalo provided food, shelter, clothing and tools, all the essentials of life to them. Capturing this symbolism is the gold buffalo head on the back strap. Most revered of all was the rare white buffalo which held an even higher spiritual meaning, and was believed to mark a new time of reconciliation among people and respect for the earth. Honoring this special animal, the rare white buffalo has been carved in cast ivory and inset into the Show Gun display case in a place of respect. ‘’The Sacred White Buffalo’’ are American bison that are considered to be sacred signs in several Native American religions, and thus have great spiritual importance in those cultures and are visited for prayer and other religious ceremonies.

Paying tribute to Oklahoma’s thriving cattle industry, which began after the Civil War, are the engraved longhorn and shorthorn steers. Over 6 million head of longhorn cattle from Texas crossed the Indian lands on the way to the railroad centers of Kansas; many following the famous Chisholm Trail. Eventually the longhorn was replaced with various other cattle breeds, including the shorthorn. With the appearance of the cattle came the cowboys, lawmen, and outlaws to Oklahoma and the start of a long and volatile history. This part of Oklahoma’s heritage is seen on the cylinder with the appearance of the engraved lawman.

By the 1870’s white settlers began to enter the Indian Territory and in 1879 Colonel George W. Miller founded the 101 Ranch. Encompassing more than 110,000 acres, the 101 Ranch hosted presidents and celebrities from around the world for years and created the 101 Ranch Wild West Show. Eventually the ranch was sold off in parcels and in 1936 closed after 43 years of operation. The 101 Ranch brand is profiled on the right side of the Show Gun frame.

By the 1880’s white settlers urged the government to open land in Indian Territory for settlement. The government negotiated the purchase of 3 million acres from the Indians and opened up 1.9 million for settlement in 1885. The land was opened in a series of land runs or rushes, lotteries and auctions. The first land run was held in 1889 and the start was signaled by a cannon boom, and thus the settlers became known as ‘’Boomers’’. Settlers that placed their claims before the official land runs were called ‘’Sooners’’, thereby giving the state the nickname of the Sooner State, which can be found engraved on the back strap.

In 1901 the discovery of oil near Tulsa would catapult the small frontier town into a thriving boom town, symbolized by the engraved old wood oil derrick on the top of the barrel. The discovery of the vast Glenn Pool oil field in 1905 thrust Tulsa into the forefront of the growing petroleum industry and Glenn Pool established Oklahoma as one of the leading petroleum producing regions in the country.

After negotiations between the government and Indian tribes regarding the ownership of land, the Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory united in 1907. The former territories became Oklahoma, the 46th state to enter the union. Encompassing the long and rich history of the state is an Oklahoma State seal silver medallion located inside the display case drawer.

Today Oklahoma is a dynamic, thriving state working toward the future by still embracing its past. It is the state’s rich and deep heritage and strong spirit that is captured in the Colt Collectors Association’s 2010 Show Gun-a one of a kind tribute to the spirit of Oklahoma.

2010 Auction Firearm Craftsmen

Jim Blair, Master Engraver

A native of Wyoming, Jim began his career as an engraver in the early 1970’s learning checkering and gunsmith tasks. He has studied under a number of master engravers at NRA sponsored engraving classes and at the Grand Masters. His preference is to work on custom made firearms. However, he enjoys engraving knives, jewelry and steel plates for limited edition prints. His scroll patterns are of traditional old styles but have become modified through his own interpretations in English scroll, Arabesque, Victorian or Floral, German, and ornamental type of scroll. Sculptured or raised inlays are his favorites to engrave. Jim strives to create engravings that flow and engraved animals that show their true life character. His game scenes are done in a Bulino style engraving, which can be very fine and almost like a photo.

Jim has been a member of the Firearms Engravers Guild of America since 1985. He holds the title of FEGA Master Engraver and has served as past Vice President of the guild for eight years. His engraving projects have appeared in numerous publications, books and numerous articles. He has taught engraving at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody and at the summer program in Trinidad, Colorado.

Dennis Kies, Master Engraver

Dennis has over 43 years as an ornamental engraver and die cutter. He has served as a Master Engraver for Colt Firearms and various other arms manufacturers. Dennis donated the engraving on the 2010 desert hardwood accessory set. He is no stranger to the CCA, having engraved the CCA Auction Firearms for the 1997 St. Louis, 2002 Portland and 2003 Austin Show guns. He has created coins and medallions for many of the nation’s mints, including the Reagan Inaugural medallion, the commemoration medallion for the launch of the nation’s first nuclear submarine, and the medallion celebrating the opening of the new Arlington Cemetery extension. Dennis has also created hundreds of limited edition collectibles for the famous Franklin Mint. He has used his hand cutting skills to create thousands of the decorative apparel fasteners for the world’s famous apparel and fashion designers as well as decorative containers for the most famous cosmetic companies. He also sculpted the automobile emblems for Dodge Ram, Chrysler, Jaquar and Cadillac. In his spare time he works on showing and selling his fine art watercolors and pen & inks.

George Spring, Colt Master Engraver

George began his engraving career in 1973 when he joined the Pederson Company, a division of Mossberg Firearms. In 1975 he took a position with Colt Firearms as a Master Engraver in the Colt Custom Shop and continues to this date.

Steve Kamyk, Colt Master Engraver

Steve studied jewelry engraving at the Bowman Technical School in Pennsylvania. In 1976 he joined the Colt Custom Shop as a Master Engraver. He continues today in the Colt Custom Shop as a Master Engraver.

William B. Ellis, Custom Knife and Grip Maker

Known in the trade as ‘’Willy B’’, Bill Ellis goes by the nickname ‘’Flash’’. He donated the African ivory longhorn steer grips carved in high relief for the Colt Collectors Association 30th Anniversary Show Gun. In addition, he donated a carved Indian stag handle bowie knife serial number CCA2010 and the gold plating on the blank cartridges. He spent his early years honing his mechanical skills working as a welder fabricator. His artistic ability was noted by his motorcycle pals and they convinced him to study the art of tattooing. In 1984 he was in a terrible car accident that left him disabled. The commercially available canes could not support his weight and were not appealing to this artist so he ventured into manufacturing and carving canes. An ivory grip maker suggested he learn to carve and scrimshaw ivory grips; so one career ends and another begins. He has carved grips for the Colt Custom Shop, Hollywood celebrities and presidents of the United States. Willy specializes in carving, scrimshaw, engraving, plating, and restoration of firearms. He is a member of the Knifemakers Guild, Florida Knifemakers Association and Firearms Engravers Guild Association (FEGA).

Jim Alaimo, Nutmeg Sports

Jim is a friend to the CCA working on special projects, served as a board member, project manager for several CCA Show Guns and frequent advisor. He is a former superintendent of the Colt Custom Gun Shop. Today he specializes in engraved Colt Firearms and handcrafted gun grips.

Les Yoder, Custom Furniture Maker

Les Yoder has been in the furniture business as a Master Craftsman for over 40 years. His firm, Brookfield Inc, is the country’s oldest and largest manufacturer of custom presentation cases. His experience in early English and French reproductions, high-end executive office furniture and fine clock cabinets is seen in every piece Brookfield Inc. currently builds. Attention to detail, fine hardwoods, plush velvet interiors and the highest quality craftsmanship are cornerstones of his business. Currently he provides cases to many major manufactures, distributors, dealers and collectors. He is no stranger to designing custom display cases. Les signed on as the official CCA auction firearms and ladies raffle case maker 15 years ago. He turns simple ideas into ‘’one-of-a-kind’’ custom signature cases. This year’s custom, exhibition grade presentation case for the 30th Anniversary Show Gun is made of quarter sewn oak. The case has two French fit drawers with long horn steer brass hardware. The interior of the drawers are Colt burgundy velvet. The back panel of the display case depicts a white buffalo scene carved in cast ivory. The display case includes a bronze steer gun display holder, a custom-crafted, desert hardwood four-piece accessory tool set including two turn screws, one rod and oil bottle, a custom stag and horn handle bowie knife, a silver Oklahoma medallion that has been inset into the wood cartridge block holding 6 gold plated blank shells, plus several historical books.

Jose Valencia, Master Gunstock and Grip Carver

This is the third project that Jose has carved for the CCA. For the Reno 2007 show gun display case he carved a mining scene and on the Houston 2008 Show Gun display case a masterful rendering of a longhorn steer in carved ivory. He specializes in carving wildlife, ornamental scrolls, company logos, family crests. He also creates his designs or inlays in cast ivory, silver or turquoise. He recently opened a studio to teach the art of wood carving. For the 2010 Oklahoma CCA 30th Anniversary Show Gun Jose has carved a buffalo panorama scene featuring a carved cast ivory majestic white buffalo that highlights the inside of the display case.

Accessory Items

The exhibition display case includes a custom crafted Oxide Blue finish four piece accessory set with two turn screws, one cleaning rod and oil bottle, all handmade from bar stock with desert ironwood handles donated by Joe Lozito. The scroll engraving on the ferrules and oil bottle was donated by Master Engraver Dennis Kies.

William B. Ellis donated a custom made carved stag handle bowie knife and gold plating on the blank cartridges. Les Yoder donated a second display case to hold the custom made bowie knife. Les also donated the display case for the ladies ECLF raffle gun. Carol Wilkerson donated the blank cartridges. Earl L. Whitney and Barbara Hinesley donated the one ounce silver Oklahoma State medallion for the wood cartridge block. From the collection of Don Wilkerson, the Wilkerson Family donated several books on Oklahoma history: Great American Cattle Trails by Harry Sinclair Drago and Oklahombres by E. D. Nix former U.S. Marshal of Oklahoma Territory. Rodney D. Smith donated the bronze longhorn steer firearm display stand. The Indian Territory map used in the photography on the front cover of the Rampant Colt magazine is from Don Wilkerson’s collection of old west memorabilia.

Other Artisans and Contributors

The 2010 Tulsa, Oklahoma Anniversary Show Gun would not be complete without the photo artistry of photographer Paul Goodwin. Carol Wilkerson handled the photography arrangements and shipment of the show gun to all the artisans. Thank you to David Grunberg, Michael Dubber, Dr. Tom Covault, Colt Archivist Joe Canali, Colt Historian Beverly J. Haynes and Kathleen J. Hoyt Colt, Historian Emeritus for their participation on the show gun project. Thanks to Mike Schriebman of Silver Bullet Guns in Tarpon Springs, Florida for handling the show gun transfer in Florida. The Oxide Blue finish on the show gun was donated by Phil Filing owner of Glenrock Blue, Glenrock, WY. Special thanks to Earl L. Whitney, Jim Parrish and Jesse R. Lewallen for representing the CCA at the 139th NRA Charlotte, North Carolina Convention. Thanks to Joe Lucas for providing additional NRA double action historical firearm documentation. With appreciation and thanks to Jim Alaimo, Nutmeg Sports for his technical advice on the 2010 Show Gun. A special thank you goes Texan Toby Hinesley for his wonderful editorial on ‘’The Spirit of Oklahoma’’.

Special Recognition

The production of a CCA Auction Firearm is a major undertaking. It takes the generosity and cooperation of many individuals over a number of years. The process starts and ends with the folks at Colt Firearms. We would like to recognize the generous support of Lt. General William M. Keys, USMC (Ret.) President and CEO of Colt Manufacturing Co. LLC for the donation of the firearm and the engraving performed by Colt Master Engravers. We would also like to thank Joyce Rubino, Vice President of Colt Manufacturing Co. LLC; Beverly J. Haynes, Historian; Joe Canali, Custom Shop Sales/Historical Archivist; A heartfelt special thanks, goes to the Colt Firearms family for their participation in the creation and historical documentation of the 2010 CCA Tulsa, Oklahoma 30th Anniversary .45 Caliber Colt Single Action Army Buntline. The CCA sincerely appreciates the help, assistance and generosity of the many artisans and CCA members who had a hand in the production of this special anniversary firearm. The 30th CCA Anniversary Firearm began its 42 month and more than 14,000 mile journey at Colt Firearms in Hartford, Connecticut than off to Missouri, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, Wyoming, North Carolina, Michigan and finally Tulsa, Oklahoma as its final destination.

Toby Hinesley, Colt Firearms Collector and Historian

Toby can be recognized as the man behind the computer at the CCA Auction table, assisting the Auction Master in accepting and recording the Colt treasures that members place in the auction for donation or sale. He is a life member in the CCA and Texas Gun Collectors Association, as well as being a member of the National Rifle Association and the Texas State Rifle Association. An avid target shooter who enjoys all types of Colt firearms, Toby has a special historical interest in Colt Single Action Army firearms from a collector’s point of view and in modern Colt firearms from a shooter’s perspective.

Specifications
“The Spirit of Oklahoma”

CCA 2010 Tulsa, Oklahoma 30th Anniversary Show Firearm
Colt Single Action Army Buntline Special

45 Caliber, 10’’ Buntline Barrel
Serial Number CCA2010 in flush gold
No patent dates on frame, no Colt markings on barrel, .45 caliber stamped under barrel
Cross pin frame, unfluted cylinder
Extended one piece carved African ivory, steer head carved in high relief on right panel, left panel smooth
Finish: Oxide Blue and custom French Gray
Three Master Engravers participated on this show gun, names signed under the barrel
All gold and engraving by Jim Blair except where noted, French gray accents applied by Jim Blair
The scroll is a mixture of Arabesque and Acanthus leaf scrolls
Gold inlays are 22k and 24k
Engraved panel scenes are Bulino style
Gold engraved lines on frame, hammer, back strap and triggerguard
Hammer is French gray Acanthus leaf scrollwork
Gold arrow lines intertwined with Acanthus leaf scroll on top of the frame
Gold barrel band at the muzzle and frame
Raised gold Osage warrior’s war shield on recoil shield;.
Flush gold block lettering down backstrap The Sooner State” engraved by George Spring. Engraving on the backstrap gold banner, gold lines, scroll on butt of backstrap and small arrowhead by Steve Kamyk.
On top of back strap raised gold buffalo head within an engraved gold outlined shield engraved by George Spring
Raised gold Indian lance on trigger guard bottom engraved by Steve Kamyk
Raised gold hangmen’s rope on loading gate
Flush gold ‘’101’’ Ranch brand on right side of the frame
Raised gold short horn steer skull on left side of the frame
Bulino panel scene of historic wood oil derrick engraved on barrel with fancy gold scroll outline
Raised gold longhorn steer on right side of barrel
Raised and flush gold bow and arrow on top of the barrel near muzzle
French grey Acanthus scroll on front sight and muzzle
On left side of barrel raised gold Acanthus scroll with a long thin arrowhead gold line
On cylinder: Bulino style panel scenes in French gray of Indian Chief and Lawman encircled with gold line. Acanthus raised and sculptured gold scroll on engraved cylinder
Qualified engraved screws
Bowie knife, serial number CCA2010 stag and horn handle with carved Indian. Oak display case
Exhibition museum grade display case in quarter sewn oak in period 1800 formula stain finish, 1 French fit drawer for accessories, 1 drawer to hold miscellaneous books and papers. Drawers are fitted with burgundy color cloth. Both drawers have been fitted with long horn steer brass pulls. The back panel of the display case has been fitted with a carved cast ivory white buffalo scene. The glass end panels etched with the 30th CCA Anniversary logo.
Four piece accessory set: bottle, rod and two screwdrivers engraved by Master Engraver Dennis Kies
Six gold plated blank cartridges in walnut shell block with one ounce silver Oklahoma medallion
’’The Spirit of Oklahoma’’ limited edition framed show gun photo poster number 10/20 SN CCA2010

Artisan Contact Information

Jim Blair, Master Engraver
Jim Blair Engraving
59 Mesa Verde
Glenrock, Wyoming 82637
JBLAIRENGRAV@MSN.COM

Dennis Kies, Master Engraver
Kies Graphics Co.
34 Deerfield Ave., Suite #3
East Hartford, CT 06108
860 528 5092

Les Yoder, Custom Furniture Maker
Brookfield Case Inc.
8041 Leonard Rd.
Coopersville, MI 49404
les@brookfieldcase.com

William B. Ellis, Custom Knife and Grip Maker
Willy B’s Custom
4941 Cardinal Trail
Palm Harbor, Fl 34683
wbflashs@verizon.net

Jim Alaimo
Nutmeg Sports
38 Crystal Ridge Dr
Tolland, CT 06084
nmsprts@aol.com

Joe Lozito, Custom Accessory Maker
Custom Crafted Accoutrements
51 Garden City Street
Bay Shore, NY 11706
requestinfo@lozito-wolf.com

Phil Filing, Custom Gun Finishes
Glenrock Blue
222 S. 5th Street
Glenrock, WY 82637-1779
Dfiling@aol.com

Jose Valencia, Master Wood Carver
Jose Valencia Studio
Box 8234
Phoenix, AZ 85066
jose@josevalenciastudio.com

Colt collectors association

2010 colt single action army