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R. Swan Signed Superbly Engraved and Gold Inlaid Cased Set of Early Colt Semi-Automatic Pistols -A)

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Hand Guns - Semiautomatic Handguns Start Price:3,500.00 USD Estimated At:7,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
R. Swan Signed Superbly Engraved and Gold Inlaid Cased Set of Early Colt Semi-Automatic Pistols -A)
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R. Swan Signed Superbly Engraved and Gold Inlaid Cased Set of Early Colt Semi-Automatic Pistols -A) Engraved and Inlaid Colt Model 1902 Military Pistol


A) Manufactured in 1920, this pistol (and the B pistol in the lot) was engraved in 1982 by "R. Swan" (possibly Ray Swan) of Buffalo, New York (signed and dated on the right side of the frame). The overall pattern hearkens back to the Colt Factory styles of the early 20th century, with fine scrollwork on the larger areas of the slide, chamber and frame, checkerboard fill on the sides of the trigger guard and a feathered pattern along the grips and the front edges of the frame, with the addition of a ribbon around the slide markings and another ribbon with the engraver's information on the frame. Fine line gold inlay has also been executed on the pistol, with connected borders at the front and rear of the slide and frame, interwoven geometric patterns on top of the slide and the underside of the frame, and the initials "OWR" on the left side of the slide between the patent date and address blocks. The trigger and hammer are both gold washed, and the grips are smooth ebony. With a custom hardwood case, with geometric ebony and ivory inlays on the lid and a French-cut interior with spaces for both pistols.

Manufucture: Colt
Model: 1902 Military
BBL: 6 inch round
Stock:
Guage: 38 ACP
Finish: blue/gold
Grips: ebony
Serial Number: 42284

Excellent as professionally embellished, with 99% plus of the deep royal blue finish, showing only the lightest handling marks overall. Minimal wear is present on the hammer, and all of the inlay remains strong and sharp. The case shows some minor handling marks and wear on the lining. Mechanically excellent.

B) Manufactured in 1910, and also embellished in 1982 by R. Swan as a counterpart to the "A" pistol. The overall adornment follows the same pattern as A, save proper adjustments for the dimensions of the 1903, including the "OWR" initials, golden components and signature on the frame. The grips are smooth ivory.

Manufucture: Colt
Model: 1903 Pocket Hammer
BBL: 4 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Guage: 38 ACP
Finish: blue/gold
Grips: ivory
Serial Number: 32402

Excellent as professionally embellished, with 99% plus of the deep royal blue finish, showing a few tiny sub-surface handling marks. Some wear is present on the trigger and hammer. The grips are very good, with a few thin cracks radiating from the screw escutcheons, attractive grain and well aged color. "OWR" has not been identified.