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LOT 3705
Attractive John
Adams Jr. Signed
Master Engraved Colt
Government Model
Semi-Automatic Pistol
with Factory Letter -
Serial no. 265765-C, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl.,
blue finish, smooth grips. Manufactured in 1953, this
Colt Government Model was subsequently masterfully
embellished by John Adams Jr. with near full coverage
floral scroll engraving, with the artist’s signature “JAII”
that appears much like a flourish of scroll is under
the right grip. The classic American scroll engraving
encompasses nearly all of the surfaces including the
baseplate of the magazine. The left side of the slide
has the standard model and caliber markings followed
by the Rampant Colt, while the right side has the
standard Colt address. The serial number is on the right
of the frame. The included factory letter lists shipment
to John J. Tobler Inc. in Union City, New Jersey, on 23
December 1953 as part of a ten gun shipment. It has
standard features and is fitted with a pair of smooth grips. Includes a Kraft style box with
hand marked label matching the gun.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine as John Adams Jr. embellished, retains 99% plus of the blue finish with only the slightest handling evidence, the Rampant Colt on the slide slightly softened, and crisp engraving overall. The grips are very fine showing an attractive lightly aged tone and grain, with a few hairline age cracks in the base of each panel. Mechanically excellent. The box is excellent with minimal wear.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
LOT 3706
Attractive Engraved Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless Semi- Automatic Pistol with Box - Serial no. 30604, 380 ACP cal., 3 3/4 inch round bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1916, this Colt Model 1908 was subsequently professionally embellished with near full coverage factory style floral scroll engraving. The left side of the slide has the two- line, two-block patent dates and address, with the Rampant Colt behind
the serrations. The right side of the slide has the two-line caliber marking. The left of the frame has the serial number, and the trigger guard is marked “VP” and “S”. The trigger, thumb safety, rear sight, magazine catch, and some pins are finished in nitre blue. It is fitted with a pair of diamond and scallop pattern checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions.
Includes a matching number Colt box.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally custom embellished, retains 99% plus of the nickel finish, 90% plus of the nitre blue, some light surface pitting under the finish hidden by the grips, minimal handling evidence, and crisp engraving overall. The grips are also very fine with only the slightest handling marks and crisp engraving. Mechanically
excellent. The box is very fine with light wear and an
additional label (marked with the matching serial number)
over part of the factory label.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 3707
Attractive Engraved Gold Plated Colt Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic
Pistol with Pearl Grips - Serial no. 1140725, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., gold finish, pearl grips.
Manufactured in 1943, this pistol was subsequently masterfully custom embellished with near full
coverage floral scroll engraving on a punch dot background and a full gold plated finish. The work
appears to be unsigned but was clearly executed by the hand of a master engraver. The left of the slide has the
standard two-line, two-block patent dates and address separated by the Rampant Colt and surrounded by floral scroll. The frame markings apart from the serial number have been covered by the engraving. Fitted with blade and notch sights, wide checkered hammer, short milled trigger, long grip safety arched checkered mainspring housing, a pair of smooth pearl grips, and an “L” marked magazine that is also gold plated.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally custom embellished, retains 90% plus of the gold finish with some light high spot wear, a few patches of light surface pitting visible beneath the finish, and crisp engraving overall. The grips are fine with a
374 minor crack in the left panel and a few scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 3708
Magnificent Pair of Cased John
Adams Jr. Engraved Colt
Semi-Automatic Pistols
-A) Colt Model 1911A1 Pistol -
Serial no. 706474, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch
round bbl., blue finish, smooth grips.
Manufactured in 1924 as a United
States Military 1911A1 with “Transitional
1911” slide markings and subsequently
engraved by master engraver John
Adams Jr. The included Adams & Adams
engraver letter lists this pistol in .45 ACP
with D+ American Scroll with contour
crossing features, a 5 inch barrel, blue
finish, and pearl grips when completed in June of 2020. The engraving is signed “JAII” under the right grip for Master Engraver John Adams Jr. Includes a hardwood display case fit for both guns. Cased with “B”.
CONDITION: Very fine overall as embellished by Master Engraver John
Adams Jr., retaining 99% plus blue finish with limited handling marks, crisp engraving, and an attractive aged coloration to the grips. Mechanically excellent. This magnificent pair would be right at home in any Colt collection! B) Colt Series 70 Government Model Pistol with Factory Letter - Serial no. 72B6964, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, smooth grips. The included factory letter lists this pistol as chambered in .45 ACP with a 5 inch barrel, blue finish, rosewood grips with double diamond checkering and furnished with original Series ‘70 roll marks, as well as the original series
‘70 firing pin and fixed sights when shipped to Bill Hicks & Company Ltd. in Plymouth, Minnesota, on September 29, 2015. The pistol has subsequently been given near full coverage floral scroll engraving with matted backgrounds. The engraving is signed “J ADAMS II” for Master Engraver John Adams Jr. under the right grip. Cased with “A”.
CONDITION: Very fine as embellished by Master Engraver John Adams
Jr., retaining 99% plus blue finish with limited handling marks and crisp engraving. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000