GUN SPRING 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2017
RARE WILBUR GLAHN ENGRAVED CASED COLT MODEL 1903 SEMI-AUTO PISTOL. COLT 1903 316065 32ACP MODERN; C&R; ESA Cal 32 ACP. Blue finish with 3-3/4" bbl, fixed sights and standard slide markings. Mounted with smooth 2-pc factory ivory grips that have left & right Rampant Colt deep silver medallions. Pistol is engraved by Wilbur Glahn in "C" plus coverage consisting of fine, intertwined, flowing foliate patterns with fine shaded background. Engraving extends fully over the slide, both sides of the frame, bottom front of the frame & slide, trigger guard, front strap, grip safety housing and rear of the slide & frame. Accompanied by an orig Colt black leatherette covered hard case that has burgundy satin lining inside the lid that is in the top embossed with the "COLT" trademark. Bottom is lined in burgundy velvet and recessed for the pistol. Very few of these early Colt pistols were factory engraved and few are known today, especially cased examples. Also included with this gun is a June 3, 1980 Colt Factory letter confirming the gun in its current configuration and lists this gun as a 1 gun shipment to B.H. Dyus Co. Los Angeles, CA. PROVENANCE: The Frank H. Wheaton, III Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Pistol retains about 85% orig blue showing sharp edge wear, a thin front strap and spring housing that is worn to gray metal from handling. Grips have a few small age lines otherwise are completely sound and show a mellow ivory patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with light pitting. Case is extremely fine, completely sound with only some minor chips in the bottom edges. Interior shows very light fading & soil. 51516-17 JRL (12,500-17,500)