1752

Scarce Documented U.S. Government Shipped Pre-War Colt Service Model Ace Semi-Automatic Pistol with

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,250.00 USD Estimated At:6,500.00 - 8,000.00 USD
Scarce Documented U.S. Government Shipped Pre-War Colt Service Model Ace Semi-Automatic Pistol with
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This is a solid example of a very early Colt Service Model Ace 22LR pistol with serial number "SM224". The Service Model Ace 22LR pistol was developed in the late 1930s to duplicate the weight, feel and recoil of the Model 1911A1 pistol while firing the economical 22LR cartridge. These early issue pistols are very rarely found as most saw extensive use. This pistol was manufactured in 1937, the third year of production (note that only 50 were produced in the previous 2 years). The included factory letter verifies the serial number, caliber, barrel length, and blue finish with grips as "Not Listed". The pistol was shipped as 1 of 155 to the United States Government, Springfield Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts, on July 20, 1937. It is marked with the Colt two line address/patent dates "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A./PAT'D APR. 20, 1897. SEPT. 9, 1902. DEC.19,1905. FEB.14, 1911. AUG 19, 1913." followed by the Rampant Colt on the left side of the slide, with the right side of the slide marked "COLT/SERVICE ACE (inside the a diamond) 22 LONG/RIFLE/MODEL". "SM224" is marked on the right side of the frame. The pistol features the early screw adjustable rear sight, checkered arched main spring housing and early Colt wide checkered hammer. Fitted with checkered walnut grips. The magazine is marked "COLT/22 ACE L.R./SERVICE MODEL".
BBL: 5 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 22 LR
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: SM224
Condition: Excellent. The pistol retains 95% plus original blue finish showing some flaking and wear on the front strap, high edge wear, and a few minor dings. The grips are also excellent with a few minor handling marks. The checkering is sharp. Crisp and clear markings. Mechanically excellent.