This pistol is an excellent display of the many talents of well-known Colt Master Engraver Alvin A. White. He is famous for his beautiful engraving of Colt firearms, but many of his other artistic talents are fairly unknown. These include carving, gunmaking, scrimshawing, and jewelry making, a few of which are masterfully displayed through this pistol. The action is casehardened, engraved and gold inlaid with beautiful detailed scenes of Greek mythology. The gold inlays appear to be Heracles slaying the Nemean lion on the left, likely the centaur Chiron training a Greek hero on the right, and what could be Perseus slaying the serpent Cetus on the bottom. There is also a gold inlaid cornucopia on the upper tang, bands on the barrel, borders, Zeus-like lightning bolts around the nipple, and the eyes of the serpentine hammer. The grip is a beautifully carved male lion head with gem type stones inset for the eyes. The top flat of the barrel is marked "A.A.WHITE/MAKER." Includes a French fit hardwood case, ball mold, powder flask, and key. This comes from the White collection, and is pictured in the book "Steel Canvas: The Art of American Arms" by Wilson on page 296. Photographed on pg. 295 of "Steel Canvas" by Wilson. Provenance: The Alvin White Collection

Very fine, retains 98% of the vivid case colors, bright gold inlays, and the barrel showing mostly a bright grey patina with some very light pitting. The grip is excellent with some age darkening and some light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The accessories are very fine or better, and the case is fine with some light handling/storage marks.