Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a 1956 Colt Second Generation Single Action Army engraved by Weldon Bledsoe in the distinctive Texas “cattle brand” style. This features nearly 100% coverage with cattle brand logos, floral scroll, and beaded background engraving throughout the revolver.
Weldon Bledsoe trained under Cole Agee, the legendary Texas engraver who innovated the cattle brand style of firearms engraving. This technique uses actual cattle brand designs as decorative elements, combined with traditional scroll work and beaded backgrounds to create a distinctly Western aesthetic. The style became popular in Texas and Oklahoma during the mid-20th century.
Bledsoe signed this revolver discreetly on the right side of the frame and included his signature “2 Lazy 2 P” brand marking, which appears consistently in his documented work. The “2 Lazy 2 P” brand served as Bledsoe’s maker’s mark, similar to how other engravers used initials or symbols.
The Second Generation SAA was manufactured by Colt from 1956-1974 after the company resumed production of the Single Action Army following World War II. These revolvers were built on modernized tooling but maintained the classic SAA design. Many Second Generation guns were purchased for custom engraving work since they were new production firearms rather than collectible antiques.
Cole Agee pioneered the cattle brand engraving style in Texas, teaching his technique to students including Bledsoe. This style stands apart from traditional American scroll engraving or European game scene work. The almost complete coverage of the revolver’s surfaces with brands and scroll creates a distinctly regional appearance tied to Texas ranching heritage. Bledsoe’s work is recognized among collectors of engraved Colts, particularly those interested in Texas-style firearms decoration. His pieces appear less frequently than work by some other engravers, making documented examples like this revolver desirable to collectors focused on regional American engraving styles.
Most of our POTDs utilize images from our friends at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms auction in the United States. Take some time to browse their current auctions – who knows, maybe you’ll find a piece of history to take home!
“Weldon Bledsoe Signed and Cattle Brand Engraved Colt Second Generation Single Action Army Revolver with Ivory Grips.” Rock Island Auction, www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1049/1928/weldon-bledsoe-cattle-brand-engraved-colt-single-action-army. Accessed 29 Dec. 2025.
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