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Colt Collectors Association 2011 Colt Single Action Army Show Firearm “Frontier Six Shooter Etched Panel-Screwless Frame” Kansas City, Missouri

Article by Earl L. Whitney
Photography by Paul Goodwin

Sam Colt began a heritage of elaborate embellishment and engraving of firearms that continues to this day; setting the standard for custom firearms finishing throughout the world. In the 1830’s, when Sam Colt invented the first practical revolver, he recognized the value of an exquisitely embellished firearm. Colt employed some of the finest engravers and craftsmen to decorate deluxe presentation pistols created for foreign dignitaries, monarchs and military officials. This tradition continues on the exhibition grade firearms that we create and engrave for the Colt Collectors Association auction firearm. On the 2010 auction firearm we gave you historical background on the journey that a show gun travels. The 2011 show gun began its 33 month journey from the Colt factory to the Kansas City CCA show in January 2009. Members have asked how we select engravers.

The Colt Custom Shop offers several levels of engraving; each with its own unique feature. Three grades are offered: Standard--which is a basic American style, engraver not recorded; Expert--master quality scroll work, engraver signed and recorded; and Master--an artisan that can work in all facets of firearms ornamentation and intricate scrollwork with precious metal inlays, signed by the engraver and recorded.

Currently, the Colt factory offers several styles of engraving:

American: Developed in the mid-19th century, this is the most popular engraving style for American firearms.

English: English engraving is more delicate than the American style, with tighter scrolls and finer shading.

Nimschke: Nimschke is named for the firearms engraver who helped create the American style. This design features rich scrollwork, a heavily punched dot background, fine edge curls and delicate borders.

The CCA only uses Master Engravers that have been approved by a Colt factory engravers committee. It’s an honor for a Master Engraver to work on a CCA Show Gun as they become part of a select group approved by this committee. An engraver wanting to engrave a CCA Show Gun is required to present samples of his or her work for review. The key to being approved is their ability to engrave and work in precious metals. The engraving design on the CCA Show Gun is a collaboration between the project manager and the Master Engraver. No two engravers have the same engraving signature style. It would be fair to add a fourth category to the grades of engraving--Artist. There are a handful of engravers that go beyond simply engraving--they sculpture the firearm. They use their imagination and skill to engrave pieces of art fit for a museum or private collection.

No two CCA Show Guns are engraved the same. Each show gun profiles the individual engraving style and expertise of the Master Engraver. The final product becomes a “one of a kind” work of art.

“TRAILS WEST’’

“Go West, young man, and grow up with the country!” advised Horace Greeley in an often quoted editorial in the New York Tribune, and go west they did by the thousands.

To the Mississippi and beyond the west beckoned. The mountain men came from Canada, Spain, France and England and were the first explorers and settlers who began the conquest of America. Some were adventurers looking for gold and silver. What they found was the fur trade. The fur trade was the only true trade or industry with the Native Americans of the Missouri wilderness, simply because fur pelts were the only thing of value worth selling in the European and eastern American capitals.

In 1764, St. Louis was founded by Laclede and Chouteau, both in the fur trading business. Trading with the Native Americans was carried on using the only form of transportation at the time, the birch canoe. Later, to meet the demands of rapidly expanding commerce, the French and colonists introduced barges and keelboats to the rivers.

Missouri’s recorded history began in the latter half of the 17th century when French explorers descended the Mississippi River and claimed the area for France; calling the territory Louisiana. As part of the Louisiana Purchase territory, Missouri has belonged to three nations; France, Spain and the United States.

From this time until the first railways were built in the 19th century the Mississippi-Missouri river system waterways were the main means of communication and transportation. Starting in 1811, the Mississippi-Ohio river systems were navigated by steamboats. The first steamboat reached St. Louis in 1817. These well-equipped passenger boats of the period were notable features of the waterways for commerce and entertainment. In the year 1856, the steamboat Arabia served as a lifeline to the frontier, bringing tons of new supplies westward to settlements along the Missouri River. The CCA 2011 show gun features the steamboat Arabia gold inlaid on the top of the back strap.

Missouri was the western frontier during the War of 1812 and Ft. Bellefontaine, near St. Louis, was the regional headquarters for the U.S. Army. Missouri became the 24th State in 1821. In 1822, W.H. Ashley led an expedition of adventurous trappers, later known as mountain men, up the Missouri River to explore the west for furs. Missouri traders established a thriving commerce over the Santa Fe Trail and pioneers in their ox drawn wagons followed the Oregon Trail to settle the Northwest. Westport, Independence and St. Joseph became famous as points of origin for these expeditions.

The California gold rush of the 1850’s and fortune hunters opened up the western United States by taking the long journey by stagecoach. The Wells Fargo and Overland stagecoach crisscrossed the new land with miners, merchants, bankers and farmers. The land from Missouri to the coast was empty prairie, rugged ranges, and dead alkali desert. Parts of it were so dry and poisoned with alkali dust that no life existed. In other places, the winding trails were cut by rivers. In summer, the heat was terrible. Winter brought below zero weather with snowdrifts rising above the tops of the wagons. Every trip was an adventure. Engraved on the left side of CCA 2011 show gun frame is the western movement of a wagon train.

The stagecoach supplied communications, economics and a link to the outside world. By the 1860’s there would be a need for faster communications to the west. The firm of Russell, Majors and Waddell, a freighting company that operated across the west, organized the Pony Express. The primary goal was to speed up mail delivery between the east and the west. Mail delivery by the Overland Mail Company advertised a 20 day delivery. The first Pony Express rider started on April 3, 1860 from St. Joseph, Missouri. Their advertisements read “ten days or less”. The Pony Express wanted skinny young men, not over 18 and orphans preferred. Wages were $25.00 per week. The mail cost was $5.00 per ounce. By an act of Congress passed on March 2, 1861, the Pony Express ceased operation upon completion of the transcontinental telegraph. At this point the Pony Express was obsolete. The cost of operations in setting up the routes, purchase of horses and the way stations along the route was greater than any profits made during the 18 months of operation. The Pony Express set the stage for a life of adventure for several frontier legends, i.e., Wild Bill Hickok and Buffalo Bill Cody.

Jesse James was an American outlaw from Missouri and the most famous member of the James-Younger Gang. Already a celebrity when he was alive, he became a legendary figure of the Wild West after his death. Jesse and his brother, Frank James, were Confederate guerrillas during the Civil War. After the war, as members on one gang or another, they robbed banks, stagecoaches, and trains. The James brothers were most active with their gang from about 1866 until 1876, when their attempted robbery of a bank in Northfield, Minnesota, resulted in the capture or deaths of several members. Jesse was killed April 3, 1882 by Robert Ford, who was a member of the gang that was hoping to collect a state reward. The CCA 2011 show gun features a James Gang robbery scene engraved on the right side of the frame and a wanted poster on the loading gate.

The Artisans

Ben G. Lane, Master Engraver
Ben is our engraver of choice for the 201l Kansas City “Trails West” Show Gun. When asked to engrave the “Trails West” show gun he accepted without hesitation. Our decision was to have a historical theme for the 2011 Show Gun. Ben possesses a wealth of western historical knowledge and within a few minutes we had the design we were looking for. Well known in Colt collecting circles, he was selected by the Colt Collectors Association to engrave the 1996 Atlanta and 1998 Denver show guns. He began engraving as a hobby in 1964, and is almost entirely self-taught. Over the years, he has expressed a preference for the works of masters Louis D. Nimschke, Cuno Helfricht, and the Ulrich family of engravers. He moved to Estes Park, Colorado in 1983 from his native home Amarillo, Texas. Lane is a Founding Member of the CCA. He is a Master Engraver for Colt firearms and a FEGA Master Engraver. He is also a Charter Member and past president of the Firearms Engravers Guild of America. Ben is also a master grip carver and fitter.

Mike Dubber, Master Engraver
Mike has been engraving since 1970, holds a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts, and is a Master Engraver for Colt Firearms and a Firearms Engravers Guild of America Master Engraver. For the Colt Collectors Association Mike engraved the Tampa 2003, Louisville 2006 and Concord 2008 show guns. For the 2011 Kansas City “Trails West”, he donated the engraving on the Argentium silver description plate and the engraving on the ferrules of the accessories. Mike has gone full circle from teacher of high school fine arts to professional engraver and back to teaching the art of engraving in his own private Evansville, Indiana studio. His knowledge of all hand engraving tools is an asset to his engraving students who have the opportunity to experience the full range of hand engraving tools. He made the statement that he never intends to retire from engraving. Mike has agreed to engrave the 2013 CCA Norman, Oklahoma show gun. Mike is also a Master Engraver for Colt Firearms.

Dennis Kies, Master Engraver
Dennis has over 44 years experience as an ornamental engraver and die cutter. He has served as a Master Engraver for Colt Firearms and various other arms manufacturers. On the 2011 Kansas City show gun Dennis executed and performed the screwless frame. He is no stranger to the CCA, having engraved the CCA Auction Firearms for the 1997 St. Louis, 2002 Portland, 2003 Austin and 2010 Tulsa accessories.

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 ivory Pony Express grips carved in high relief for the Kansas City Colt Collectors 2011 show gun. He spent his early years working as a welder fabricator and honing his mechanical skills. 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).

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., 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 16 years ago. He turns simple ideas into “one-of-a-kind” custom signature cases. This year’s donated custom, exhibition grade presentation case for the Show Gun is a replica of a Wells Fargo Stagecoach steel strongbox chest complete with a period style lock. The interior of the chest is Colt burgundy velvet. Les also donated the display case for the ladies ECLF raffle gun.

Joe Lozito, Custom Accessory Maker
A friend of the CCA, Joe donated the custom crafted Oxide Blue finish, three-piece accessory set with two turn screws and one cleaning rod, all handmade form bar stock with desert ironwood handles. The scroll engraving on the ferrules was donated by Master Engraver Mike Dubber.

Sam Andrews, Andrews Custom Leather
Sam has been designing and making custom handmade holsters and accessories for over 35 years. Hailed by his customers as one of the top holster makers in the world of concealed carry and sport rigs, Sam has a motto “You expect the best in your weapon-demand no less in your holster”. He has named his collectable and law enforcement custom leather “wearable art”. Andrews custom leather handmade holsters, belts and accessories are made from various types of exotic materials, i.e., tiger shark, elephant, cape buffalo, stingray, ostrich to name a few. He has donated a western rig of exotic leather for the “Trails West” 2011Kansas City gun. Sam has donated specialty holster rigs to the CCA auction for the past five years. The ivory scrimshawed medallion was donated by Sandra Brady.

Sandra Brady, Scrimshaw Artist
Sandra’s love of art happened early in her life when, as a young girl, she attended Early Art Education classes at the Toledo Museum of Art. She could be found at every local gun show plying her art. By 1976 she was pursuing the art of scrimshaw and began working for a local jewelry company producing scrimshaw jewelry. As an art major at the University of Toledo, her focus was on anatomy and the human form. Well versed in many different artistic media, such as drawing, printmaking, oil painting, and pastels, her true passion was scrimshaw. Scrimshaw is an art form that has been passed down from the golden age of whaling, when sailors would carve nostalgic pictures of the sea into the teeth of the great mammals they hunted. These unique scenes have been etched into antique elephant, fossil walrus, or mammoth ivories, employing an age-old process called scrimshaw. Sandra donated the CCA ivory Rampant Colt medallion on the holster rig.

Dale Broadbent, President
Reliable Electroplating
Special thanks, to Dale for donating the gold plating on the SAA frame. Reliable Electroplating is a service company, specializing in metal finishing. Finishes include custom plating in gold, silver, rhodium, copper, nickel, multicolor and antique finishing. They offer both barrel and rack plating, providing functional industrial finishes, as well as decorative and antique finishes. Additional value added services include polishing, stripping, cleaning, pickling, bright dipping, mass finishing, deburring, burnishing, clear coating and lacquering.

Phil and Di Filing, Doug Mosier
Glenrock Blue
Established in Glenrock, Wyoming in 1994, Glenrock Blue has been recognized nationally for its expertise in high quality metal and wood refinishing. A special thanks to the husband and wife team of Phil and Di Filing along with gunsmith Doug Mosier for donating the final blue finish on the ‘’Trails West’’ CCA show gun.They offer a variety of gun finishes, including hot blue, cerakote, parkerizing, rust blue, and nitre blue. If you have been seeking a source for the best-quality gun refinishing, the middle of nowhere is the right place to look! They have a special motto at Glenrock Blue—‘’Bluing is our Business, Craftsmanship is our Trademark’’.

David Hawley
Arabia Steamboat Museum
In the year 1856, the 171-foot-long steamboat Arabia served as a lifeline to the frontier, bringing tons of new supplies westward to settlements along the Missouri River. The big side-wheeler had just left Kansas City when her hull was suddenly pierced by a submerged tree. She sank in just minutes with all of her treasures lost. Years after the tragic accident, the river changed course. The legendary Arabia and its hoard of buried treasure were discovered beneath a Kansas farm field. Buried for 132 years, her excavation in 1988 uncovered a ‘’time capsule’’ of remarkably preserved 1856 frontier supplies-the world’s largest collection. Items of nearly every description were found. Dishware, tools, clothing, guns, food, medical supplies, and jewelry were included in the remarkable find. Special thanks to David Hawley of the Arabia Museum for the loan of the Arabia Steamboat photo.

Contributors
The 2011 Kansas City, Missouri 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. Preparation, execution and the screwless design for the show gun was performed by Dennis Kies. A special thanks to Carol for researching historical information for the editorial “The Trails West” written by Earl L. Whitney. The magazine front cover was shot on location in Denver with western artifacts loaned by Bob Butterfield of Gold Rush & Old West Antiques & Firearms. He loaned the period spurs, scale, weights and bowie knife. From the collection of John Robinson a gold plated buffalo stick pin made by the Kansas City Velie Saddlery Co. The Buffalo Bill cabinet photo provided by John Gangle of Little John’s Auction Service.

Accessory Items
The Wells Fargo strongbox display case includes a “Trails West” conestoga wagon one ounce silver bar donated by Earl L. Whitney and Barbara Hinesley. Mike Dubber donated the engraved sterling silver description plate and engraving on the three piece accessory set with two turn screws and one cleaning rod. Carol Wilkerson donated a replica period stage coach model. Sam Andrews, Andrews Leather, donated the exotic leather holster rig and ivory medallion. Sandra Brady donated the scrimshaw on the ivory medallion. The nickeled decorator bullets were donated by Western Stage Prop Company.

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. We would also like to thank Dennis Veilleux, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Joyce Rubino, Vice President of Business Development & CFO, Tim Looney, Manager of the Custom Shop, Beverly J. Haynes, Historian and Joe Canali, Custom Shop Sales/Historical Archivist. A heart felt special thanks, goes to the Colt Firearms family for their participation in the creation and historical documentation of the 2011 CCA Kansas City, Missouri Colt Single Action Army. The CCA sincerely appreciates the help, assistance and generosity of the many artisans. A special thanks to all CCA members that provided a contribution to the 2011 CCA Show Gun.

Specifications

2011
Colt Collectors Association
Kansas City, Missouri
“Trails West”
Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army
Etched Panel-Screwless Frame

• ’’Trails West’’ an engraved Colt firearm, a tribute to the historical Western movement

• ‘’Colt Frontier Six Shooter’’ etched panel

• Rare Screwless Black Powder Frame

• Master Engraved by Ben G. Lane, signed under ejector Eng’d by Ben G. Lane for CCA and under base pin BGL

• Engraving style, Helfricht with Young influence

• Serial Number CCA2011, scroll engraved line border serial number

• 44-40 Caliber

• 4 3/4’’ Barrel

• No patent dates on frame

• 50 inches 24K gold

• Fine silver accents

• Finish: blue/black caustic process, French grey accents

• 24K gold plated frame and gate, ink & baked, scroll engraved frame,

• Fire blue qualified screws

• Fire blue trigger

• Frame: right side, Bulino engraved Jesse James Northfield bank robbery panel scene

• Loading gate: Bulino engraved Jesse James wanted $500 poster panel scene

• Frame: left side Bulino engraved Santa Fe Trail western movement panel scene

• Engraved silver eagle head feather design on hammer with flush gold outline

• On back strap shovel head raised gold ‘’Arabia Steamboat’’ with silver shield border

• ’’Trails West’’ French grey lettering down backstrap with gold line border

• Fluted cylinder engraved with Germanic tendril scroll design with two gold bands and inverted silver accent triangles

• Engraved front sight outlined with gold line

• Two Gold barrel bands at the frame and one at the muzzle

• Colt address on top of barrel with silver border and gold dots

• Left side barrel ’’Colt Frontier Six Shooter’’ in French silver grey letters outlined with gold border

• One piece carved ivory grips, Pony Express Rider carved in high relief on right panel, left panel smooth

• Wells Fargo Strongbox, with Wells Fargo lock, display case on a black stained cherry wood furniture base. The back panel of the display case has been fitted with a walnut plaque featuring a stagecoach. The interior is French fitted with Colt

• burgundy cloth. There’s also a walnut plaque holding the silver engraved description plate and a one ounce silver bar conestoga wagon

• A three piece ironwood period style accessory set

• Exotic leather holster rig with scrimshawed ivory medallion that reads ‘’Colt Collectors Association’’ with ‘’Rampant Colt on World Globe’’ and decorator Nickel-plated bullets

• ”Trails West” poster autographed by Paul Goodwin, limited edition framed show gun poster number 11/20 SN CCA2011

Artisan Contact Information

Ben G. Lane, Master Engraver
Box 961
Este Park, CO 80517
970 586 6844

Mike Dubber, Master Engraver
11 South Green River Rd
Evansville, IN 47715
mwdub@aol.com
812 867 3039

Dennis Kies, Master Engraver
Kies Graphics Co
18 Brookside Dr
Southington, CT 0489
860 410 0611

Les Yoder, Custom Furniture Maker
Brookfield Case Inc.
8041 Coopersville, MI 49404
616 997 9663
les@brookfieldcase.com

William B. Ellis, Custom Knife & Grip Maker
Willy B’s Custom
4941 Cardinal Trail
Palm Harbor, Fl 34683
727 942 6420
wbflashs@verizon.net

Sam Andrews
Andrews Custom Leather
2610 NW 102 Ave
Alachura, FL 32615
386 462 0576

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

Arabia Steamboat Museum
400 Grand Blvd.
Kansas City, Mo 64106
www.1856.com
816 471 4030

Sandra Brady-Master Scrimshaw Artist
Scrimshaw by Sandra Brady
Box 104
Monclova, OH 43537
419 866 0435
sandy@scrimshawbysandrabrady.com

Phil and Di Filing Doug Moser, Custom Gun Finishes Glenrock Blue
222 S. 5th Street
Glenrock, WY 82637-1779
307 436 2330
Dfiling@aol.com

Dale Broadbent, President (Custom Plating)
Reliable Electroplating
304 W. Main St.
Chartley, MA 02712
508 222 0620
info@ReliableElectroplating.com