"Bob" Just plain old "Bob".

2539 Views 25 Replies 16 Participants Last post by RKmesa, May 26, 2018

Cozmo

Discussion Starter · May 24, 2018 (Edited)

A couple of years back now I saw this gun done up as a consecutive pair. Frankly at the time, although I have seen some really nice engraved guns and been lucky enough to own a few, this was the nicest engraved SAAs I had seen. The engraver is Phil Quigley working out of Phoenix, Arizona.

more here:
http://www.coltforum.com/forums/single-action-army/174234-phil-quigley-engraved-matching-set-2.html

I like to shoot engraved guns. If that becomes a habit it is easy to have engraving patterns that become your favorite as well. I have become a big fan of Cuno Helfrich's work. And once bitten it is easy to pick out pieces that the Master Cuno, did himself. My picks for Helfrich's master pieces are, "From the Boys" a Texas shipped gun 1895, #163605 and Bob Meldrum's gold inlayed gun, shipped to Colorado in 1904 # 253161.

Both guns were artwork done when Cuno Helfrich's skills were at their peak in my opinion and both most agree, were guns engraved by Cuno's own hands. All reasons for these two engraving patterns to really stand out in a history of highly engraved guns done over several decades in Helfrich's shop. But we aren't talking Helfrich here. The engraver for this particular SAA is Phil Quigley. And this time the project is "Bob", a close copy of some of Helfrich's best work, the "Meldrum Gold Inlay Colt".

Wonderful story and history behind this engraving even before it got to Bob Meldrum. One of two gold inlayed guns with inscription that

Helfrich's shop did. One of only 4 factory engraved with pearl stocks. And finally to really set the stage for an exceptional gun one of very few with gold inlay from Helfrich's shop. A interesting and rare engraving pattern if nothing else. And likely a pattern that Helfrich himself did on this particular gun while leaving so subtle clues to that effect..

I asked Phil to make a few changes on the engraving pattern and didn't use a Colt. My family brands going back 1890s or earlier were to be added. I let Phil do a pattern of his own design for the family brands and think he hit part of the project out of the freekin park! Perfectly shaped and fit, one piece ivory by Paul Persinger that should hold up to any actual shooting just fine. I photographed "Bob" in the white. Tomorrow I'll antique blue the gun which should make the gold inlays really pop! What I will be looking to re-create is the same old worn look of Bob Meldrum's after a hundred + years of wear, tear and honest use.

I like to name my favorite guns for specific reasons. Silly I know. But the guns have to be really good (as in a good shooter) for me to want it engraved. So I figure they deserve a name. . I shipped off "Lucky" the other day. Still have "Cutter", "Unicorn", "From the Boys", "Cuffs", "Thistle", "Thick" and "Thin".

This one is "Bob". Not "Bad Bob", or "Albino Bob" or even "Mean Old Bob" this is just "Bob".

I thought others might enjoy the new photos and comparisons on the finishes.

More on "Bad Bob's" gun here...

http://www.coltforum.com/forums/single-action-army/185873-bad-bob-s-colt.html

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