*EXTRAORDINARY SET OF THREE KORNBRATH ENGRAVED GOLD INLAID COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVERS OWNED BY THE PRESIDENT OF ARGENTINA, MARCELO T. ALVEAR.

*EXTRAORDINARY SET OF THREE KORNBRATH ENGRAVED GOLD INLAID COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVERS OWNED BY THE PRESIDENT OF ARGENTINA, MARCELO T. ALVEAR. SN 343199, 343200 & 343202. Cal. 44 Russian and S&W Spcl. All three revolvers are absolutely identical with blue & color case hardened finish, 7-1/2″ bbls, full thick front sights and 1-line Hartford address with caliber marking “RUSSIAN AND / S&W SPECIAL 44” on the left sides. Left front side of frames has 2-line 3-patent dates and rampant Colt without a circle. They are mounted with early, period of the revolvers, smooth 2-pc ivory grips with deep rampant Colt medallions that have left & right sides. Serial number 343200 is accompanied by its orig rampant Colt hard rubber grips numbered to that revolver. This fabulous set of revolvers, known as the “Triplets” are the only known set of three identically engraved by Rudolph J. Kornbrath, in his readily identifiable style of flowing floral, foliate & vine patterns. Frames have about 80% coverage with feather patterns on top straps. Top of back straps have a fine fan pattern with a cross hatch triangle in the center and small foliate arabesque patterns and zig-zag borders which extend completely down the buttstraps. Toe of buttstraps & trigger guards are engraved with foliate arabesque patterns which are also on the shoulders of the trigger guards and sides of the ears of the backstraps. Foliate patterns extend up the bbls and terminate in front of the addresses with matching patterns around the muzzles. Bbls have a fine gold band inlay in front of the frames which extend forward and terminate in a point ahead of the bbl addresses. Ejector rod housings are engraved with fine running leaf patterns. Cyls are engraved on the lands between the flutes with bowtie and foliate patterns and narrow a gold band around the rear edge of each cyl with adjacent snake & dot patterns. SNs were observed in the usual places on the bottom of the frames and right side of the front & backstraps under the grips. Last four digits of SNs are on the rear faces of the cyls. Screws are all high polish blue with SNs 343199 & 343200 showing no evidence of ever having been turned. SN 343202, the only used member of the Triplets, shows evidence of the screws having been removed. The orig, consecutive numbered pair, SNs 343199 & 343200 discovered in Argentina in the early 1990s and were returned to the United States where they were sold into the private collection of Dr. Joseph A. Murphy, where they remained until about 2000 or 2001 when they were sold through auction. Consignor purchased them at this auction and obtained a Colt factory letter which identified this pair as part of a shipment of three identical single actions having been shipped to Argentina. He immediately began a search for the third revolver of that shipment and through hard work and deductive reasoning discovered the SN of the third single action to be 343202, one number off from the above pair. With this information he began a grueling international search for the missing Triplet, which he successfully located on a remote ranch about 1,000 miles south of Buenos Aires in the Patagonia Region. In August 2008 consignor was able to purchase the third Triplet from this wealthy ranching family, arrange clearances and export permits, then flew to Argentina to conclude the sale. He was successful and returned the third Triplet to the United States to be reunited as we find them today. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter for SN 343200 which identifies it in caliber 44 S&W with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and factory special engraving with gold inlay, shipped to Don Alfredo Gottling, Buenos Aires, Argentina on Dec. 23, 1921 in a shipment of three same type revolvers. Obviously the ivory grips were installed at a later date, probably upon return to Colt after engraving. Don Alfredo Gottling was Argentina’s largest and most important firearms importer & dealer, who operated his shop “La Portena” in Buenos Aires. This shop was established in 1857 and remained in business until 1972. La Portena Gun Shop imported only the finest, highest quality firearms from all of Europe and the United States and catered to the highest rungs of Argentinian society. The shop was located at 611 Rivadavia which is almost at the corner of Florida Ave. and would have been very convenient for the soon to be president to stop by on his way to Government House, which he is reported to have done 15-20 days a month to see what new merchandise had arrived. President Alvear was a serious firearms collector and world champion pistol shooter. As of this writing it is not known whether these three revolvers were ordered by Pres. Alvear, presented to him by Colt or if Don Alfredo Gottling simply ordered them for stock and Pres. Alvear bought all three of them, or if they had been ordered specifically as a gift to Pres. Alvear. There are only 16 First Generation gold inlaid Colt Single Action revolvers and since most of the known pieces were presentations, simply due to the cost, it is likely that these three revolvers were intended as a presentation. SNs 343199 & 343200 were discovered in Argentina and purchased from the estate of Marcelo T. Alvear, who was the President of Argentina 1922-1928. Marcelo Torcuato de Alvear (1868-1942) was an Argentine statesman & diplomat who was the Ambassador to France (1917-1922), before becoming President of Argentina in 1922, leaving office in 1928. In 1931 he attempted to run for the Presidency once again, but for political reasons he was barred from the Presidency but was allowed to run again in 1937 and was defeated. It stands to reason that given the dates of Pres. Alvear ascension to office in 1922 and the shipping date of these revolvers of late Dec. 1921, it is very reasonable to assume that this set was an inauguration present for the new president. SNs 343199 & 343200 are pictured in full color on pp. 542 & 543 of The Colt Engraving Book Volume II, Wilson, and, also in full color on p. 146 of the book Steel Canvas, Wilson. Additionally accompanied by a 5-page letter from noted Colt historian & author, R.L. Wilson, wherein he extols the virtues of SNs 343199 & 343200. Apparently SN 343202 had not been discovered at the writing of this letter. He authenticates them as being engraved by Kornbrath. This exceptional and one of a kind set of three identically engraved and gold inlaid Single Action Army revolvers are being offered for the very first time in history as a complete set. Once they are sold it is unlikely they will ever be encountered again in this lifetime. Additionally accompanied by the following personal items from Pres. Alvear’s estate which include: 1) His personal Pampas Gaucho knife by famous Uruguayan knife maker J.M. Mailhos. It has 7-1/4″ x 1-5/16″ tapered flat ground blade with 2-3/4″ back grind marked with the maker’s name, address, logos and steel information on the left side. It is made without handguard and has an extremely elaborate silver & gold tapered handle with fluted gold pommel cap. Body of the handle is silver with three gold flower blossoms on top & bottom edges and elaborate inlaid gold, foliate & floral decorations on each side. Sheath is equally elaborate with beautifully laced rawhide body that has matching silver & gold mounts with a matching silver & gold belt tab that has gold intertwined initials that appear to be a horizontal “M” intertwined with a vertical “A”, the initials of Marcelo Alvear; 2) An extraordinary pair of Pampas Gaucho spurs that have 4-1/2″, forty-point rowels. The yokes & shanks are made of heavy silver covered steel with black cloissone inlaid engraving on both sides of the yokes, missing the straps. 3) Extremely ornate flat leather quirt with 14″ heavy silver handle and ornate leather wrist strap. The leather part is about 19″ x 1-1/2″ of two pieces of sewn leather, split at the end. Handle is elaborately decorated, of solid silver, marked near the toe “800”. Handle is deep repousse decorated in foliate & floral patterns with four gold flower blossoms and four gold leaves and a large, elaborate turban shaped pommel. 4) An extremely elaborate horse martingale made of round, buff colored leather covered in silver bands with nine small decorated silver conchos and one large matching decorated silver concho. 5) Extraordinary set of bolas constructed of three branches of braided rawhide leather attached to three ivory balls of graduated sizes with silver & gold trim. Ivory balls have silver top & bottom covers with silver bands mounted with gold flower blossoms which match the decoration on the knife & quirt. 6) A 3-1/2″ diameter x 3/16″ thick decorative medallion commemorating the installation of Pres. Alvear’s bronze statue which stands in Alvear Square in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The front depicts Gen. Alvear astride his horse in deep relief. Reverse is the commemoration of the statue which apparently was erected in 1923. 7) A 2-7/16″ diameter x 3/16″ thick silver medallion commemorating the founding of the Alvear Hospital in Oct. 1910. The front has the relief figure of Dr. Jose Alcorta and the reverse depicts three figures in the foreground with what is either the capital building or hospital in the background. PROVENANCE: Don Alfredo Gottling; Pres. of Argentina Marcelo T. Alvear; Dr. Joseph A. Murphy Collection; Clark S. Ullom Collection. CONDITION: SNs 343199 & 343200 are virtually identical in condition with both appearing to be unfired retaining virtually all of their strong orig factory finish with bright charcoal blue and vivid case colors. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bores. Grips are sound with a few minor age lines and retain a wonderful golden ivory patina. Orig hard rubber grips have a chipped right heel, otherwise are sound showing light diamond point wear. SN 343202 appears to be the only revolver of the Triplets that ever saw any use. It still remains in very fine condition with about 92-93% strong, bright orig blue on the bbl and about 75% on the ejector rod housing, mostly in the gullets. Frame retains brilliant case colors in the front gullets and in other sheltered areas with the majority lightly to moderately faded, silver on top strap, with bright colors in the sight groove. Hammer retains strong case colors on sides and rear edge with top edge turned dark. Cyl retains about 85% orig blue, dark in the flutes, thinning in the outer diameter. Trigger guard & backstrap retain blue in the sheltered areas with trigger bow, front strap, backstrap & buttstrap a plum brownish patina. Hammer is not solid in the safety or half cock notches, otherwise mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. Grips are sound with a few age lines and retain a fine medium ivory patina. Pres. Alvear’s personal items: 1) Very fine. Knife blade has been used & sharpened and slightly tipped with some light pitting on right side at handle, otherwise blade is fine. Handle, sheath & fittings are extremely fine showing very little wear. 2) Very fine. Spurs show very little wear with some light rust on the rowels. 3) Fine. Handle is sound showing very little use or wear. Leather part of quirt is dry but completely intact. At one time the leather was probably dyed red but is now faded to a buff color. 4) Martingale is extremely fine. Shows very little use with minor sweat stains. 5) Extremely fine. Leather of the bolas is a little dry but completely intact showing no wear. Very likely these were simply a decorative present of a traditional Argentinian Gaucho’s tool. 6) Extremely fine plus. Shows no wear. 7) Very fine, slightly oxidized. 4-37553, 4-37554, 4-37555 JR261 (300,000-450,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2011

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2161	$345,000.00	EXTRAORDINARY SET OF THREE KORNBRATH ENGRAVED GOLD INLAID COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVERS OWNED BY THE PRESIDENT OF ARGENTINA, MARCELO T. ALVEAR. SN 343199, 343200 & 343202. Cal. 44 Russian and S&W Spcl. All three revolvers are absolutely identical with blue & color case hardened finish, 7-1/2″ bbls, full thick front sights and 1-line Hartford address with caliber marking “RUSSIAN AND / S&W SPECIAL 44” on the left sides. Left front side of frames has 2-line 3-patent dates and rampant Colt without a circle. They are mounted with early, period of the revolvers, smooth 2-pc ivory grips with deep rampant Colt medallions that have left & right sides. Serial number 343200 is accompanied by its orig rampant Colt hard rubber grips numbered to that revolver. This fabulous set of revolvers, known as the “Triplets” are the only known set of three identically engraved by Rudolph J. Kornbrath, in his readily identifiable style of flowing floral, foliate & vine patterns. Frames have about 80% coverage with feather patterns on top straps. Top of back straps have a fine fan pattern with a cross hatch triangle in the center and small foliate arabesque patterns and zig-zag borders which extend completely down the buttstraps. Toe of buttstraps & trigger guards are engraved with foliate arabesque patterns which are also on the shoulders of the trigger guards and sides of the ears of the backstraps. Foliate patterns extend up the bbls and terminate in front of the addresses with matching patterns around the muzzles. Bbls have a fine gold band inlay in front of the frames which extend forward and terminate in a point ahead of the bbl addresses. Ejector rod housings are engraved with fine running leaf patterns. Cyls are engraved on the lands between the flutes with bowtie and foliate patterns and narrow a gold band around the rear edge of each cyl with adjacent snake & dot patterns. SNs were observed in the usual places on the bottom of the frames and right side of the front & backstraps under the grips. Last four digits of SNs are on the rear faces of the cyls. Screws are all high polish blue with SNs 343199 & 343200 showing no evidence of ever having been turned. SN 343202, the only used member of the Triplets, shows evidence of the screws having been removed. The orig, consecutive numbered pair, SNs 343199 & 343200 discovered in Argentina in the early 1990s and were returned to the United States where they were sold into the private collection of Dr. Joseph A. Murphy, where they remained until about 2000 or 2001 when they were sold through auction. Consignor purchased them at this auction and obtained a Colt factory letter which identified this pair as part of a shipment of three identical single actions having been shipped to Argentina. He immediately began a search for the third revolver of that shipment and through hard work and deductive reasoning discovered the SN of the third single action to be 343202, one number off from the above pair. With this information he began a grueling international search for the missing Triplet, which he successfully located on a remote ranch about 1,000 miles south of Buenos Aires in the Patagonia Region. In August 2008 consignor was able to purchase the third Triplet from this wealthy ranching family, arrange clearances and export permits, then flew to Argentina to conclude the sale. He was successful and returned the third Triplet to the United States to be reunited as we find them today. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter for SN 343200 which identifies it in caliber 44 S&W with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and factory special engraving with gold inlay, shipped to Don Alfredo Gottling, Buenos Aires, Argentina on Dec. 23, 1921 in a shipment of three same type revolvers. Obviously the ivory grips were installed at a later date, probably upon return to Colt after engraving. Don Alfredo Gottling was Argentina’s largest and most important firearms importer & dealer, who operated his shop “La Portena” in Buenos Aires. This shop was established in 1857 and remained in business until 1972. La Portena Gun Shop imported only the finest, highest quality firearms from all of Europe and the United States and catered to the highest rungs of Argentinian society. The shop was located at 611 Rivadavia which is almost at the corner of Florida Ave. and would have been very convenient for the soon to be president to stop by on his way to Government House, which he is reported to have done 15-20 days a month to see what new merchandise had arrived. President Alvear was a serious firearms collector and world champion pistol shooter. As of this writing it is not known whether these three revolvers were ordered by Pres. Alvear, presented to him by Colt or if Don Alfredo Gottling simply ordered them for stock and Pres. Alvear bought all three of them, or if they had been ordered specifically as a gift to Pres. Alvear. There are only 16 First Generation gold inlaid Colt Single Action revolvers and since most of the known pieces were presentations, simply due to the cost, it is likely that these three revolvers were intended as a presentation. SNs 343199 & 343200 were discovered in Argentina and purchased from the estate of Marcelo T. Alvear, who was the President of Argentina 1922-1928. Marcelo Torcuato de Alvear (1868-1942) was an Argentine statesman & diplomat who was the Ambassador to France (1917-1922), before becoming President of Argentina in 1922, leaving office in 1928. In 1931 he attempted to run for the Presidency once again, but for political reasons he was barred from the Presidency but was allowed to run again in 1937 and was defeated. It stands to reason that given the dates of Pres. Alvear ascension to office in 1922 and the shipping date of these revolvers of late Dec. 1921, it is very reasonable to assume that this set was an inauguration present for the new president. SNs 343199 & 343200 are pictured in full color on pp. 542 & 543 of The Colt Engraving Book Volume II, Wilson, and, also in full color on p. 146 of the book Steel Canvas, Wilson. Additionally accompanied by a 5-page letter from noted Colt historian & author, R.L. Wilson, wherein he extols the virtues of SNs 343199 & 343200. Apparently SN 343202 had not been discovered at the writing of this letter. He authenticates them as being engraved by Kornbrath. This exceptional and one of a kind set of three identically engraved and gold inlaid Single Action Army revolvers are being offered for the very first time in history as a complete set. Once they are sold it is unlikely they will ever be encountered again in this lifetime. Additionally accompanied by the following personal items from Pres. Alvear’s estate which include: 1) His personal Pampas Gaucho knife by famous Uruguayan knife maker J.M. Mailhos. It has 7-1/4″ x 1-5/16″ tapered flat ground blade with 2-3/4″ back grind marked with the maker’s name, address, logos and steel information on the left side. It is made without handguard and has an extremely elaborate silver & gold tapered handle with fluted gold pommel cap. Body of the handle is silver with three gold flower blossoms on top & bottom edges and elaborate inlaid gold, foliate & floral decorations on each side. Sheath is equally elaborate with beautifully laced rawhide body that has matching silver & gold mounts with a matching silver & gold belt tab that has gold intertwined initials that appear to be a horizontal “M” intertwined with a vertical “A”, the initials of Marcelo Alvear; 2) An extraordinary pair of Pampas Gaucho spurs that have 4-1/2″, forty-point rowels. The yokes & shanks are made of heavy silver covered steel with black cloissone inlaid engraving on both sides of the yokes, missing the straps. 3) Extremely ornate flat leather quirt with 14″ heavy silver handle and ornate leather wrist strap. The leather part is about 19″ x 1-1/2″ of two pieces of sewn leather, split at the end. Handle is elaborately decorated, of solid silver, marked near the toe “800”. Handle is deep repousse decorated in foliate & floral patterns with four gold flower blossoms and four gold leaves and a large, elaborate turban shaped pommel. 4) An extremely elaborate horse martingale made of round, buff colored leather covered in silver bands with nine small decorated silver conchos and one large matching decorated silver concho. 5) Extraordinary set of bolas constructed of three branches of braided rawhide leather attached to three ivory balls of graduated sizes with silver & gold trim. Ivory balls have silver top & bottom covers with silver bands mounted with gold flower blossoms which match the decoration on the knife & quirt. 6) A 3-1/2″ diameter x 3/16″ thick decorative medallion commemorating the installation of Pres. Alvear’s bronze statue which stands in Alvear Square in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The front depicts Gen. Alvear astride his horse in deep relief. Reverse is the commemoration of the statue which apparently was erected in 1923. 7) A 2-7/16″ diameter x 3/16″ thick silver medallion commemorating the founding of the Alvear Hospital in Oct. 1910. The front has the relief figure of Dr. Jose Alcorta and the reverse depicts three figures in the foreground with what is either the capital building or hospital in the background. PROVENANCE: Don Alfredo Gottling; Pres. of Argentina Marcelo T. Alvear; Dr. Joseph A. Murphy Collection; Clark S. Ullom Collection. CONDITION: SNs 343199 & 343200 are virtually identical in condition with both appearing to be unfired retaining virtually all of their strong orig factory finish with bright charcoal blue and vivid case colors. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bores. Grips are sound with a few minor age lines and retain a wonderful golden ivory patina. Orig hard rubber grips have a chipped right heel, otherwise are sound showing light diamond point wear. SN 343202 appears to be the only revolver of the Triplets that ever saw any use. It still remains in very fine condition with about 92-93% strong, bright orig blue on the bbl and about 75% on the ejector rod housing, mostly in the gullets. Frame retains brilliant case colors in the front gullets and in other sheltered areas with the majority lightly to moderately faded, silver on top strap, with bright colors in the sight groove. Hammer retains strong case colors on sides and rear edge with top edge turned dark. Cyl retains about 85% orig blue, dark in the flutes, thinning in the outer diameter. Trigger guard & backstrap retain blue in the sheltered areas with trigger bow, front strap, backstrap & buttstrap a plum brownish patina. Hammer is not solid in the safety or half cock notches, otherwise mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. Grips are sound with a few age lines and retain a fine medium ivory patina. Pres. Alvear’s personal items: 1) Very fine. Knife blade has been used & sharpened and slightly tipped with some light pitting on right side at handle, otherwise blade is fine. Handle, sheath & fittings are extremely fine showing very little wear. 2) Very fine. Spurs show very little wear with some light rust on the rowels. 3) Fine. Handle is sound showing very little use or wear. Leather part of quirt is dry but completely intact. At one time the leather was probably dyed red but is now faded to a buff color. 4) Martingale is extremely fine. Shows very little use with minor sweat stains. 5) Extremely fine. Leather of the bolas is a little dry but completely intact showing no wear. Very likely these were simply a decorative present of a traditional Argentinian Gaucho’s tool. 6) Extremely fine plus. Shows no wear. 7) Very fine, slightly oxidized. 4-37553, 4-37554, 4-37555 JR261 (300,000-450,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2011 Please Note:* All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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