December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2023
As per the included factory letter (2 included), this gun shipped as a 6 - 1/2" blued .22 caliber Colt Automatic Pistol, factory engraved by Gough, and shipped to Murta Appleton Company, Philadelphia, on May 8th, 1917. The earlier letter simply says "Murta Appleton Company c/o W.H. Gough", while later letter confirms engraving. Configuration is as lettered with bead front sight and adjustable notch rear sight. Engraved in approximate B class coverage of Gough's trademark rolling scrolls on a striated ground, with accenting acanthus floral scroll. Edges are decorated with a mixture of incised lines and rocker engraving. Interior of frame and right grip are incised with a social security number; a common practice in the past. PROVENANCE: From the personal and advanced collection of Dr. Jim Watson of Scottsdale, Arizona. CONDITION: Overall very good, retaining the majority of the factory bluing with scattered areas of marks from handling and use throughout. Areas of silvering at high traffic areas including muzzle, straps, etc, from use; straps are essentially silver with small areas of bluing remaining. Engraving is crisp and well cut, befitting a master like Gough. Mechanically fine, bore is excellent with strong rifling and some minor pitting towards muzzle.