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Extraordinary Pre-War Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol with Factory Letter

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,200.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
Extraordinary Pre-War Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol with Factory Letter
This is an excellent example of a Colt Government Model Pistol manufactured in 1935. The slide has the standard two line address/1897-1913 patent dates on the left side, with the right side marked "COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBER .45" followed by the Rampant Colt. The frame is marked "GOVERNMENT MODEL" over the serial number on the right side. The left front of the trigger guard bow is marked with the letter "W" over the triangle "VP" proofmark, with the assembler's number "60" on the right side. Checkered trigger, slide stop, thumb safety, wide hammer spur and arched mainspring housing with a lanyard ring on the heel. The pistol has the post-WWI Colt bright commercial blue finish and is fitted with checkered walnut grips. The accompanying factory letter verifies the serial number, caliber, barrel length, and blue finish, with grips as "Not Listed". The letter states that the pistol was shipped as 1 of 2 to A. J. Harwi Company, Wichita, Kansas, for Frank S. Reed or George Bassett on February 11, 1935.
BBL: 5 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 ACP
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: C176268
Condition: Excellent. The pistol retains 97% plus of the original finish with some minor wear on the muzzle end of the slide and front of the frame, minor flaking on the front bottom of the slide, high edge wear and thinning on the front strap. The grips are excellent with a moderate bruise on the right panel, light handling marks and sharp checkering. The markings are crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent.