April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
Of all the known engravers to have embellished firearms in the 20th century, the artistry of William H. Gough is rarely encountered and extremely sought after. Over the course of his career Gough worked for Colt, Winchester, Remington, Savage as well as contract engraving presentation arms to heads of state of Iran and Egypt from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Offered is believed to be the earliest known signed work of William Gough. Colt Model 1908 .25 serial number 106082 is fully documented in "The Book Of Colt Engraving" on pages 326 & 327 and attributes the gun to the David S Woloch collection. Listed in the Colt ledgers as having been shipped in January 1914, .25 cal, 2" barrel soft (indicating shipped out of the factory for engraving) stocks not listed, and shipped to William H. Gough (for engraving) sold to: Murata Appleton & Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Further, author R.L. Wilson attributes the gold inlaid checkered mother of pearl grips to Gough. The gun is engraved in the scrolls and leafy coverage so distinctive of Gough with nearly 95% coverage on the frame and slide. The two piece checkered mother of pearl grips are inlaid with the initial W M H. Beneath the left grip is engraved Des & Eng By W.H.Gough. Pistol is presented in its correct period black leatherette case with Colt hang-tag and with royal blue velvet and satin lining with a factory Colt monogram in gold. CONDITION: Extremely fine with over 97% of the factory blue finish remaining with only slight traces of edge wear. The bore and mechanics are excellent as well. The Mother of Pearl grips are exceptional and remain brilliant. The leatherette case is extremely fine internally with all hinges and clasp remaining functional. Slight edge and corner wear is evident but is not distracting in its appearance. The hang-tag is slightly oil stained and creased but remains intact and is pictured with the gun in Wilson's book. There is speculation that this gun may have served as William H. Gough's initial sample work for Colt. A marvelous example of Colt's highly embellished arms.