Colt Single Action Army - Factory "A" Engraved - *FOR STEPHEN J. ADAMS SR.*

Stephen J. Adams Sr., widely known among Colt employees and distributors as “Big Steve,” was a long-standing Colt factory salesman and field representative during the 1970s and early 1980s. He was part of the direct-distribution sales network Colt relied upon in that era, when personal relationships with storefront dealers, buying groups, and law-enforcement purchasing officers mattered just as much as product catalogs. “Big Steve” became well known for his ability to build those relationships, promote Colt’s brand identity at the dealer level, and maintain the kind of long-term accounts that, in the pre-internet firearms industry, were essential to consistent sales volume. His reputation inside Colt was one of approachability, loyalty to the brand, and deep product knowledge — traits that helped him stand out in a highly competitive national sales field. His name gains particular importance because Colt periodically awarded engraved presentation firearms to top performers in the company — including the “Colt Salesman of the Year” designation. A factory-engraved Single Action Army or Government Model tied directly to Stephen J. Adams Sr. represents documented company history, not just a decorative firearm. Pieces presented to “Big Steve” are part of the internal culture of Colt at a time when craftsmanship, regional dealer relationships, and in-person salesmanship defined the company’s success. For collectors, that combination — factory engraving + named recipient + verified Colt service role — elevates such firearms from “engraved examples” to traceable, historically anchored presentation pieces, giving them a significance that extends far beyond their mechanical form.

According to the Colt Factory Letter, this example (92173SA) was Factory Engraved with Class “A” Scroll Engraving including “To the greatest father Stephen J. Adams Sr.” in script on the left side of the barrel and “BIG STEVE” in block letters on the right side of the barrel. This example was shipped to James A. Colosimo Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 13th, 1977.

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