May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/10/2024
Circa 1930 per serial number. Classic configuration with blade front sight, U notch flat top rear sight, right side of slide with "COLT // AUTOMATIC / CALBIRE .45" with Rampant Colt, left side with two-line, one-block patent and address information. Left side of trigger guard with "8" inspector proof, Colt's VP proof, right side with "51" proof; right side of frame with Government Model designation and serial number. Barrel with a polished-white hood and a small proof ahead of lug, appears to be "S". Small parts comprise checkered spurred hammer, checkered thick tab safety, checkered slide release, short checkered trigger, long A1 grip safety, arched mainspring housing with lanyard loop, and fully checkered walnut grips. Two tone magazine with dual pinned base and "COLT / 45 AUTO" on baseplate. PROVENANCE: From the personal and advanced collection of Dr. Jim Watson of Scottsdale, Arizona. CONDITION: Excellent, retaining virtually all of the Colt factory bluing, with some superficial handling marks scattered throughout and beginning silvering on sharpest edges. Appropriate distension about the proofs on trigger guard from application of stamp. Most distracting marks are a thin takedown mark from incorrect reinstallation of slide release. Mechanically fine, bore is excellent, bright and shiny with strong rifling. This is an extremely good example from when Colt was turning out some of their best guns.