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LOT 3435
SERIAL NUMBER C1959
Outstanding Early Production Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol with Factory Letter - Serial
no. C1959, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. According to the included factory letter this highly attractive Colt Government model was manufactured in 1912, very early in production of the commercial Government Model. The letter confirms the caliber, barrel length, finish, and shipment to Schoverling, Daly & Gales, in New York, New York on October 28, 1912. This pistol represented the cutting edge of firearm technology and was highly sought after by military personnel and civilians alike. This particular example exhibits the early production lustrous high polish blue finish and nitre blue small parts, as well as the serial number on the left of the frame as seen on only the first 2,250 Government Models and the “GOVERNMENT MODEL” marking on the right of the frame which was only seen until about
serial numbers C4500-C5000. The slide on this pistol bears the two-line, two-block address and patent
markings on the left side of the slide with the circled Rampant Colt behind the serrations.
The right of the slide has the caliber markings. “VP” and “K” are on the trigger guard, and
“GOVERNMENT MODEL” is on the right side of the frame. The early four-digit serial number
is located on the left of the frame. The later production, military replacement barrel has a
brush blue chamber with “S” and “P” proof visible on the left side of the lug. Both the front and
rear sights are later production wide pattern replacements. Fitted with a set of diamond
pattern checkered grips and an unmarked later production replacement magazine with
lanyard loop on the bottom.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 90% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish and 85%
plus of the original bright nitre blue with the balance a smooth grey patina, primarily in the form
of leading edge holster type and grip strap wear. The trigger shows two shadows typical of once
having a trigger shoe. The grips are also excellent with a few scattered minor blemishes in the
overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Truly an exceptional, 2nd year production, Colt
Government Model semi-automatic pistol that would permanently fill the usually vacant slot
in any serious Colt semi-automatic collection!
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
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