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Pair of 2nd Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolvers with Leather Holster, A Cherished Gift from Hollywood Legend Sammy Da... (Total: 3 Items)
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Sold on Jun 9, 2025 for:
$6,250.00
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Description
"Mr. Show Business"
Pair of 2nd Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolvers with
Leather Holster, A Cherished Gift from Hollywood Legend Sammy Davis
Jr. to His Dear Friend Burt A. Boyar.Serial no's 33421SA and 33431SA, .45 caliber, 4 3/4-inch barrels marked COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY 45. Top of barrels read COLT'S PT F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. Guns are nickel-plated with wood grips. Both guns have customized hammers for quick draw or trick shooting. Both guns are engraved on the backstrap with the inscription TO BERT FROM SAMMY. Interestingly, the revolver with serial number ending in 31SA features the inscription reading from bottom to top, while the 21SA reads from top to bottom, a subtle, charming detail that adds character to the pair. Contained in original black leather holsters by Arvo Ojala [marked] with rosette and scroll features to furniture. Ojala, a Hollywood gunslinger in his own right, who revolutionized the art of the quick draw and parlayed his on-screen skills into crafting some of the most legendary leather holsters ever made and outfitting many Hollywood stars. Guns have great history and have been "in circle of friends" since day one. Guns were manufactured in 1960.
The guns are accompanied by a notarized letter from Robert R. Bloomingdale, whose mother, Betsy Bloomingdale, was a lifelong friend of Burt Boyar. In the letter, Robert details how he came into possession of the pistols and recounts the discovery of an engraving error on the guns, a mistake that, true to Burt's gracious nature, was left untouched. Some of the highlights of the letter read: "The story of these pistols is the story of two best friends; Burt Boyar and Sammy Davis, Jr. Burt and Sammy were best friends for years and Burt was the author of the million plus copy bestseller, Yes I Can, The Sammy Davis, Jr. Story........Burt and my mother, Betsy Bloomingdale, were the best of friends for many years. It is well known in Hollywood that he and I were working together trying to make a movie their book, Yes I Can.
In fact, we spent ten years trying to make the movie, encountering numerous Davis family obstacles pertaining to the copyright. Before he died in 2018, Burt had me over to his apartment in Westwood..........and presented the Colt's to me. When I noticed the guns were inscribed "To Bert from Sammy" I asked Burt about the misspelling of his name: (the engraver's mistake), he remarked that when Sammy gave them to him, he noticed it too, but was embarrassed to say something to Sammy about it, and as was his gentle nature, he just took it in stride."
Sammy Davis Jr., one of America's greatest entertainers, was a celebrated singer, dancer, actor, and member of the iconic Rat Pack, known for his extraordinary talent and charismatic presence. Burt A. Boyar, a respected writer and Broadway columnist, became one of Sammy's closest friends and collaborators. Together, they co-authored, Yes I Can: The Sammy Davis Jr. Story, a groundbreaking and deeply personal account of Sammy's life and struggles. Their bond was marked by deep mutual respect, loyalty, and trust, a rare and enduring friendship that transcended the glamour of Hollywood and left a lasting mark on American culture.
Provenance:
Sammy Davis Jr.
Burton A. Boyar
Robert R. Bloomingdale
Condition: Guns are fine to excellent with minor wear and handling. Fine scratches from holster wear. Faint tracking lines present; some spots and blemishes from dried grease. 33431SA, action crisp, bore good. 33421SA, action has vacant spot in the cocking cycle, bore good. Holster with modest wear overall, scuffs and marks present, as expected.
Auction Info
2025 June 9 Arms & Armor, Civil War & Militaria Signature® Auction #6320 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2025
9th
Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 832
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $1,000,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $5,000,000 per lot.
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