Famous Dallas, Texas Sportsman & Gun Store Owner, E.A. Worden

The State of Texas has always been a highly sought after ship location for Colt Single Action Army revolvers. Dallas, Texas was one of the scarcest and most interesting, and the recipient and dealer was E.A. Worden. He was a well known figure in Dallas, forming Shooting Clubs and Sportsmen Clubs, not to mention, his Gun Store was well visited and he had a huge following. During his period, which lasted 55 years  nearest competitors were in Austin and Ft. Worth. During his time Dallas grew from a Cattle Camp on the Trinity River into a small metropolitan area. Important to know, many cattle drives going north passed thru Dallas, and many camped for the night or a few days to enjoy the water and feed offered by the Trinity River and grassy areas. No telling how many Cowboys stopped at his location to buy a Colt. WHAT makes this Colt SO INTERESTING is it was the Colt Single Action carried and owned by “himself” E.A. Wordon . The exterior grips has been checkered in a diamond pattern and many roughly carved initials E. A. W on both grips. but I believe they were applied by his descendants, to remember whose Colt this was, who the revolver belonged to.  IN THE INSIDE channel of the grips, neatly stamped is E.A. Worden, in both channels. This would have been his style and  choice, at least that’s what I think, either way highly identified as E.A. Worden’s Colt SAA .45. NO DOUBT this was his personal Colt SAA .45 !! Currently Serial No.4458X, from the 1878 production has a dark blue gray patina finish, all original and untouched. Some traces of plum patina. ALL Factory applied markings are clear and present: frame patents, barrel address, ALL matching serial numbers in correct locations and caliber of upper trigger guard shoulder.  ALL parts are the original parts, and IMPORTANT: the mechanical working action is perfect! ALL notches, cylinder rotation, indexing correctly, and locking tight, and releases to fire. NO mechanical issues. Along with this Colt comes an accumulated group of documentation from Historical Societies and The Dallas Morning News, plus a photo of E.A. Wordon from the Dallas Morning News.  He was a prominent figure in Dallas for 55 years and his obituary also comes with these documents. The Walnut grips show hand wear, no damage, and of course initials, but the certain ID is in the channel of the original grips neatly stamped E.A. Worden. If you are searching for a real Frontier Colt, A Texas Colt this is  solid Texas history. A Long Barrel  7-1/2 ” SAA .45 and relatively early production, owned by a well known Texan !! Additional Info: From the ” Texas Gun Trade” by Chris Hirsch, E.A. Worden was located at 734 Elm St. Dallas, Texas . He began in 1878, after arriving in Texas from Wisconsin. He took over the business from Francois Charlut, who had been there from 1875 – 1878. His knowledge was called upon in 1892 to testify in Court regarding firearms operation and cartridge knowledge. An important Colt dealer and Dallas Businessman.