December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2023
Shipped October 1, 1915 to a W. M. Villareal. 1 of just 475 factory engraved Army Specials, this factory nickel finished example is listed with "level 3 engraving and the name "M. M. Villareal" on the strap". Cuno Helfricht style scroll and foliate engraving with a punch dot background and zigzag boarders. The 4" barrel chambered in .41 Colt with 2-line address and half moon front sight. "M. M. Villareal" inscription on backstrap professionally recut, as it was removed at an unknown point by a previous owner. As shipped with 2-piece pearl grips with "carved eagle motif" on left left panel, as well as deep dish forward facing rampant Colt medallions. Accompanied by a non-matching original Colt maroon box and copy of a Colt archival letter confirming configuration. PROVENANCE: Richard "Dick" Burdick collection. CONDITION: Very good overall. The vast majority of the original bright nickel finish is retained with some mild areas of flaking at the muzzle, cylinder, yoke, and trigger. A turn line also present. Carved right grip has a small chip at the heel. Left grips shows a repaired area at the the toe and some mild chipping at the top. Bore displays sharp rifling with a few oxidation spots. Crisp mechanics. A nice, very scarce special order factory engraved Colt.
Paperwork
Copy of Factory Letter