May 7, 2024 The Paul Friedrich Collection of Firearms & Gold Rush
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
Circa 1924 per serial number. In a highly unusual set of circumstances, this gun appears to have been factory engraved by more than one person, as some sections are executed as acanthus scroll on a punch dot background, while other areas are ropier florals on a striated ground. Notably, the thinner florals on a striated ground typically indicate work performed by William Gough. Other features comprise a thick blade front sight, flat top square notch rear sight, "COLT // AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE .45" on left side of slide, two-line one-block patent, and address information on left; last date is August 1913. Left side of trigger guard with "1" inspector and Colt's VP proof, right with "22" inspector mark, "GOVERNMENT MODEL / C135760" on right side of frame behind slide pin. Barrel is polished in-the-white, with an "F" stamped ahead of lug. Small parts comprise checkered spurred hammer, thin tab safety, checkered slide release, checkered magazine release, checkered trigger, short 1911 grip safety, and smooth (but engraved) flat mainspring housing with lanyard loop. Two-tone magazine with dual pinned base devoid of any markings. Ivory grips with a steerhead carved on right side. Accompanied by a Colt maroon flip-top box with end labels identifying it for a Government Model and an " "ENGRAVED" " label on the long edge of lid. With Colt advertising paraphernalia, brush, and combination tool, and modern foam as filler. Bottom of the box has some age-related distress obfuscating the number, but it does not appear to match, starting with "15" and ending with "747". CONDITION: Excellent, with the vast majority of the rich factory bluing throughout, with distension about proofs on the trigger guard from the application of stamp. Some silvering towards the muzzle consistent with holster wear and carry, and to reciprocating areas. Some thinning to straps, approximately 50% blue remaining with balance smooth dove grey, further indicative of some use. Right side of slide has some spots of cleaned oxidation, behind ejection port. Other typical superficial scratches. Mechanically fine, bore is very good with strong rifling and some mild frosting. Factory-engraved 1911s from a time when Colt produced some of their finest handguns are extremely desirable.
Item Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 2"