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Rare Documented Colt Government Model Russian Contract Semi-Automatic Pistol with Colt Factory Lette

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Hand Guns - Semiautomatic Handguns Start Price:2,750.00 USD Estimated At:5,500.00 - 8,500.00 USD
Rare Documented Colt Government Model Russian Contract Semi-Automatic Pistol with Colt Factory Lette
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Rare Documented Colt Government Model Russian Contract Semi-Automatic Pistol with Colt Factory Letter

This is an extremely rare example of a Colt Government Model Russian contract semi-automatic pistol that is documented by serial number in a Colt factory letter dated April 1991, indicating shipment in Dec 1916 to the "Government of Russia". During the 1914-1916 timeframe, the White Russian Army had a severe shortage of arms and ammunition and was forced to purchase weapons from abroad, based on credits that the Russian Government had negotiated with Great Britain. These credits were supported by the Gold reserves held in Russia, however all the contracts had to be placed with Great Britain on behalf of Russia. Because of this, Russia was able to purchase Colt pistols through Great Britain. During 1916-1917, Russia purchased approximately 51,000 Colt Model 1911 commercial pistols. These were standard Colt commercial models that did not have any specific Russian acceptance proofs, however the left side of the frame is marked in Cyrillic letters "ANGL. ZAKAZY", which roughly translates to "English Orders". These are an extremely rare pistol, almost no examples were ever imported back into this country. These pistols fall into the serial number range of "C23000" to "C89000", with this example being produced at the end of the production run. The left side of the slide has the standard Colt pre-war commercial slide and has the two-line, two-block markings of "PATENTED APR. 20.1897. SEPT.9.1902, DEC. 19. 1905. FEB.14.1911. AUG 19.1913" followed by "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." with the Rampant Colt behind the rear of the slide serrations. The right side of the slide is marked "COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE 45". The left side of the frame is marked with the correct Russian Cyrillic markings noted above with the right side marked "GOVERNMENT MODEL/C 81968". The barrel is a correct, unmarked all blue version, with the polished chamber area. It also has the early style (1914 pattern) checkered thumb safety, a serrated slide stop release, Colt wide-spur checkered hammer, flat smooth mainspring housing, along with a set of checkered walnut grips. It is complete with one half-tone Colt blued magazine with the lanyard loop on the base plate.

Manufacture: Colt
Model: Government
BBL: 5 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 ACP
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: C81968

Fine with 70% of the faded original Colt factory blue finish overall with slight blue loss on the front edges of the slide, thinning on top with the front grip strap and mainspring housing having a gray patina. The heavily worn grips are fair with distinct checkering and large diamonds on both sides, showing wear across the tops of the checkering on both grips. This is a fine representative example of a much sought after Russian Contract Colt Government Model pistol with factory documentation.