Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this STUNNING single-action revolver today for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Single Action Army Custom Edition Master Factory Engraved by A.A. White Engraving Company!
Alvin A. White — often credited as A.A. White — is widely regarded as one of the preeminent American firearms engravers of the 20th century, frequently called the “Dean of American Arms Engravers” for both the quality of his work and his influence on later engravers. White rose from die-cutting and wartime service to become Colt’s master engraver in the 1950s and ’60s, producing exquisitely detailed scrollwork, animal scenes, and gold/silver inlays on presentation and commemorative firearms; examples of his work were chosen for high-profile presentations and appear in important collections, which is a big part of why pieces bearing his signature command strong collector interest.
The A.A. White Engraving operation was formalized in the early 1960s as Colt’s in-house engraving unit and grew from White’s solo work into a small workshop that executed master engravings, inlays, and full-coverage ornamental jobs for factory presentation guns and special commissions. Pieces finished by A.A. White Engraving are notable for technical excellence (deep relief scroll, precise gold inlay and figural work) and for the fact that many were signed or documented, so original, well-preserved examples carry a premium on the secondary market; the company’s name on a gun today is shorthand among collectors for museum-quality factory embellishment and authentic provenance.
This specimen is the inaugural offering of the hand-engraved Custom Edition, featuring deep Type C+ scroll work and lavish 24K gold inlay throughout. The left side of the barrel bears the inlaid legend “Custom Edition”, and the serial number is also expertly inlaid in 24K gold, ornamentation that transforms the revolver from a low-production firearm into a presentation-grade collector’s dream. Hand finished by the renowned A.A. White Engraving Company, this variant is extraordinarily scarce: only 25 examples were furnished with the rare 7½" barrel, making this an exceptionally desirable example for collectors and connoisseurs.
The owner states that this example remains New Old Stock, and we see no evidence to indicate otherwise!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Single Action Army Second Generation - Custom Edition
Serial: 24SPL
Date of Manufacture: 1977
Caliber: .44 Special
Finish: Blued - Case Color Hardened
Barrel Length: 7 ½"
Optics/Sights: Frame Notched Rear w/ Fixed Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut w/ Silver Colt Medallions
Action: Single-Action
Markings: Standard / Type C+ Master Scroll Engraving - “CUSTOM EDITION” inlaid with 24K gold on the left side of the barrel - Serial Number “24SPL” inlaid with 24K gold
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The second-generation Single-Action Army lineage represents the continuing life of Colt’s iconic “Peacemaker” beyond its original late-19th/early-20th century heyday — essentially the classic design revisited with later manufacturing methods and a variety of collector-oriented editions. These later SAA production runs generally preserve the original geometry, single-action control, and aesthetic that made the model legendary (fixed sights, solid steel frame, and the familiar loading gate/cylinder arrangement), while benefiting from improved metallurgy, more consistent factory tolerances, and a broader range of finishes and chamberings than the very earliest originals. In short, a second-generation SAA keeps the look, feel and handling that collectors and shooters expect from a Peacemaker but often with the reliability and finish quality that modern production techniques can deliver. Colt’s Custom Shop has long served as the brand’s channel for elevated, presentation-grade firearms — taking standard models and turning them into limited editions, commemoratives, and one-off masterpieces. Work from the Custom Shop typically includes upgraded stocks, special finishes, hand fitting, and factory-applied engraving or inlays, all with Colt’s controlled quality oversight. Those Custom Shop pieces are intended both to honor tradition and to satisfy collectors who want a factory-backed step up from normal production: better cosmetics, tighter tolerances, and the reassurance that the extras were applied by the maker rather than by an unknown aftermarket source. Alvin A. White (A.A. White) occupies a singular place in American arms engraving: he was a master engraver whose skill, aesthetic sense, and workshop standards influenced factory engraving practices for decades. Renowned for deep relief scroll, precise figural work, and flawless precious-metal inlay, White’s hand is recognized instantly by collectors familiar with 20th-century presentation firearms. His approach combined classical European technique with American presentation traditions, and his name on a piece signals both artistic excellence and historical importance — his work was selected for high-profile presentation guns, factory special editions, and private commissions that demanded nothing less than museum quality. The A.A. White Engraving Company extended that personal legacy into a small but exceptionally skilled workshop capable of producing consistent, high-quality factory engraving jobs. Where many engraving shops produce attractive work, A.A. White Engraving became known for technical mastery: deep, balanced scrolls, crisp inlays, and careful surface finishing that preserved a firearm’s lines while elevating it to a decorative art object. When the company’s name is attached to a Colt Custom Shop piece it not only confirms a high degree of hand finishing, it also provides provenance — an important factor for collectors who prize documented origin and factory-level execution over aftermarket modification. Taken together, a second-generation Colt Single-Action Army that left the factory as a Custom Shop piece and received hand work from A.A. White Engraving is a convergence of history, craft, and scarcity. The mechanical pedigree of the SAA, the elevated fit-and-finish of Colt’s Custom Shop, and the artistic pedigree of A.A. White combine to make such an example more than a shooter — it’s a presentation piece with clear collector appeal. For anyone assessing or presenting this firearm, preserving documentation, original packaging, and condition will matter nearly as much as the engraving itself; these elements together tell the full story that collectors and museums prize.
Contents:
Model: Single Action Army Second Generation - Custom Edition
Serial: 24SPL
Date of Manufacture: 1977
Caliber: .44 Special
Finish: Blued - Case Color Hardened
Barrel Length: 7 ½"
Optics/Sights: Frame Notched Rear w/ Fixed Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut w/ Silver Colt Medallions
Action: Single-Action
Markings: Standard / Type C+ Master Scroll Engraving - “CUSTOM EDITION” inlaid with 24K gold on the left side of the barrel - Serial Number “24SPL” inlaid with 24K gold
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The second-generation Single-Action Army lineage represents the continuing life of Colt’s iconic “Peacemaker” beyond its original late-19th/early-20th century heyday — essentially the classic design revisited with later manufacturing methods and a variety of collector-oriented editions. These later SAA production runs generally preserve the original geometry, single-action control, and aesthetic that made the model legendary (fixed sights, solid steel frame, and the familiar loading gate/cylinder arrangement), while benefiting from improved metallurgy, more consistent factory tolerances, and a broader range of finishes and chamberings than the very earliest originals. In short, a second-generation SAA keeps the look, feel and handling that collectors and shooters expect from a Peacemaker but often with the reliability and finish quality that modern production techniques can deliver. Colt’s Custom Shop has long served as the brand’s channel for elevated, presentation-grade firearms — taking standard models and turning them into limited editions, commemoratives, and one-off masterpieces. Work from the Custom Shop typically includes upgraded stocks, special finishes, hand fitting, and factory-applied engraving or inlays, all with Colt’s controlled quality oversight. Those Custom Shop pieces are intended both to honor tradition and to satisfy collectors who want a factory-backed step up from normal production: better cosmetics, tighter tolerances, and the reassurance that the extras were applied by the maker rather than by an unknown aftermarket source. Alvin A. White (A.A. White) occupies a singular place in American arms engraving: he was a master engraver whose skill, aesthetic sense, and workshop standards influenced factory engraving practices for decades. Renowned for deep relief scroll, precise figural work, and flawless precious-metal inlay, White’s hand is recognized instantly by collectors familiar with 20th-century presentation firearms. His approach combined classical European technique with American presentation traditions, and his name on a piece signals both artistic excellence and historical importance — his work was selected for high-profile presentation guns, factory special editions, and private commissions that demanded nothing less than museum quality. The A.A. White Engraving Company extended that personal legacy into a small but exceptionally skilled workshop capable of producing consistent, high-quality factory engraving jobs. Where many engraving shops produce attractive work, A.A. White Engraving became known for technical mastery: deep, balanced scrolls, crisp inlays, and careful surface finishing that preserved a firearm’s lines while elevating it to a decorative art object. When the company’s name is attached to a Colt Custom Shop piece it not only confirms a high degree of hand finishing, it also provides provenance — an important factor for collectors who prize documented origin and factory-level execution over aftermarket modification. Taken together, a second-generation Colt Single-Action Army that left the factory as a Custom Shop piece and received hand work from A.A. White Engraving is a convergence of history, craft, and scarcity. The mechanical pedigree of the SAA, the elevated fit-and-finish of Colt’s Custom Shop, and the artistic pedigree of A.A. White combine to make such an example more than a shooter — it’s a presentation piece with clear collector appeal. For anyone assessing or presenting this firearm, preserving documentation, original packaging, and condition will matter nearly as much as the engraving itself; these elements together tell the full story that collectors and museums prize.
Contents:
This example will ship with the Factory-Original Colt Custom shop box! The owner states that this example remains New Old Stock, and we see no evidence to indicate otherwise.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
