The factory letter confirms the 5 1/2 inch barrel in .45 caliber, nickel plating, pearl stocks with carved steer head and level 5 factory engraving. The revolver was shipped to Potchernick's in San Antonio, Texas, on November 30, 1928. In operation from about 1894 to 1991, Potchernick's Sporting Goods was a major supplier of sporting wares to the San Antonio area, as well as a noted patron of the shooting sports, playing an active role in establishing an early municipal skeet field for the city. The factory engraving is in the style of famed Colt Master Engraver Wilbur Glahn. From the time he arrived in Hartford in 1919 until the spring of 1950, Wilbur Glahn did the bulk of the engraving for Colt. His death in 1951 signaled the end of America’s family dynasties of firearms engravers. He left behind a legacy of high quality craftsmanship and design, which is certainly showcased on this SAA. The engraving consists of Glahn style floral scrollwork and blossoms on a stippled background. Wavy lines decorated the top of the ejector rod housing and rear of the cylinder. A star burst appears on the ejector rod head. The embellishment covers 70% of the surface. The barrel is stamped with the one-line Hartford address on top and “45 COLT” on the left side. The left side of the trigger guard has the Colt factory inspection markings (“1” and triangle factory proof). The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by a Rampant Colt. The revolver is fitted with silver Rampant Colt medallion pearl grips featuring the highly desirable factory documented relief carved steer head on the right panel. As Colt historian and author R.L. Wilson noted, only "a few" SAAs had factory hand carved steer head motif grips. Matching serial numbers are on the frame and on the right side of both the back strap and trigger guard. The last two digits "65" of the serial number are stamped on rear face of cylinder. Using the most liberal statistics only 2,500 1st Generation Colt SAAs of the 357,800 manufactured were factory engraved. Includes a leather holster with embroidered border.

Excellent, retaining 97% unpolished original nickel finish with very limited flaking. The engraving is crisp. The grips are very fine with a slight chipping, crisp carving and attractive fiery color. Mechanically excellent. The holster is very good with wear and some replaced stitching. This factory engraved SAA with the always sought after relief carved steer head pearl grip will be a welcome addition to any Colt or firearms art collection.