GUN FALL 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2017
RARE FACTORY ENGRAVED COLT 1ST SERIES PRE-WWII WOODSMAN SEMI-AUTO PISTOL WITH FACTORY LETTER.COLTWOODSMAN10209622LRW/CASEMODERN; C&RCal. 22LR. Blue finish with 6-5/8" tapered rnd bbl, adjustable front and rear sights and mounted with full checkered walnut grips. Accompanied by an orig 2-tone magazine with marked base. Also accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this pistol in Cal. 22 with 6-1/2" bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and factory engraved Class "B". It also shows that it was equipped with Partridge front sight, shipped September 30, 1936 to David A. Hay, Wilmington, DE in a 1-gun shipment. Under remarks section of the letter, it shows that it was returned to the factory August 2, 1937 and subsequently shipped August 16, 1937 to Camp Perry, OH where it was finally sold. The engraving consists of about 60% coverage, well executed foliate arabesque patterns with fine pearled background. Front & backstraps and trigger bow are engraved to match. Additionally accompanied by a custom made felt lined mahogany case. According to the Blue Book of Gun Values, Fjestad, there were about 112,000 1st Series Woodsman pistols produced 1927-1947 of which only 151 were factory engraved and of that, only 126 were of this model making those few engraved items some of the most rare of Colt handguns. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching except grips which are properly un-numbered. Overall retains 98-99% orig factory blue with faint muzzle end wear and some dulling to the front and backstraps. Grips are crisp with only faint diamond point wear. Magazine shows moderate wear and is darkened on the white upper portion. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. Case is fine. 51918-1 JRL (6,000-8,000)