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Documented Howard Dove Master Engraved Gold Inlaid Colt Series 70 Government Model Freedom Special S

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,500.00 USD
Documented Howard Dove Master Engraved Gold Inlaid Colt Series 70 Government Model Freedom Special S
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Manufactured in 1977. This pistol was the vision of former Colt employee Al DeJohn who was a WWII veteran and former manager and designer of Colts Custom Shop. During the 1970's DeJohn was interested in producing a custom Series 70 Government Model with a patriotic theme to be called the "Freedom Special". Originally he visualized a special production of 100 units, but because of hard economic times Colt decided not to produce the model. After DeJohn retired he still wanted to see his model come to life so he sent his personal Government Model pistol to Colt Master engraver Howard Dove to engrave the pistol. The end result is this one-of-a-kind "Freedom Special" pistol. The pistol features floral scroll engraving on the front and rear ends of the slide, on the sides of the frame and on the front strap, the latter having 24 karat gold inlaid highlights. The slide markings have been replaced with four 24 karat gold inset emblems representing the four branches of the armed services on the left side and a patriotic shield and 24 karat gold inlaid banner on the left side. Between the front sight and ejection port is a 24 karat gold script "Freedom Special" and ahead of the rear sight is a relief engraved Liberty's torch in 24 karat gold and sterling silver inside a shaded diamond border. The pistol is completely finished with a "Mirror Brite" blue finish and is fitted with checkered ivory grips marked on the inside "By HMDOVE (HMD intertwined)/FOR AL DEJOHN". This pistol was pictured and included in an article in the April 1986 "Guns Magazine" in an article entitled "The Colt Custom Shop". Accompanying the pistol are letters from Howard Dove, Al DeJohn and Colt announcing the limited production model, (which never came about) and a copy of the Guns Magazine. The pistol is complete in a 1911 WWI commemorative upright case.
BBL: 5 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 ACP
Finish: blue
Grips: ivory
Serial Number: 16847G70
Condition: Professionally master embellished to near mint condition with only the slightest handling/storage marks. The case has been refinished and clear coated and remains very good. A very nice and unique "Freedom Special" commemorative Government Model pistol done by Master Engraver Howard Dove.