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LOT 1267
Near New and Rare Pre-World War II Factory “A” Engraved Colt Woodsman Target Semi- Automatic Pistol with Original Matching Factory Carton and Factory Letter - Serial no. 130772, 22 LR cal., 6 1/2 inch bbl., blue finish, checkered walnut grips. Accompanied by a factory letter which confirms this pistols configuration and states; this pistol serial number 130772 is noted as having “A” engraving coverage, 6-1/2 inch barrel and blue finish. It was listed as sold to Morley-Murphy Co. Hardware of Green Bay, Wisconsin and later shipped on March 3, 1938 to a Mr. Neal Holt of Marshfield, Wisconsin in a shipment of one pistol. The letter states that Colt selected 138 pistols for factory engraving and of those, this is the second to last to have been engraved. The pistol has the Colt commercial blue finish with checkered walnut grips. The pistol has target front and rear sights that are adjustable for elevation and windage. The pistol has factory “A” engraving and was most likely executed by the hand of master engraver Wilbur A. Glahn. The simple yet elegant scroll and vine work are a wonderful compliment to the pistol. The “A” coverage was the first grade of factory commissioned engraving which went as high as “C”. In the writer’s opinion, the “A” coverage is the most appealing. The coverage is not overwhelming, simple yet classic, and it lets this pistol exhibit its near new condition. The left side of the slide is marked “COLT” in bold letters followed by: “AUTOMATIC/CAL.22 LONG RIFLE” and the Rampant Colt trademark. The markings are framed by scroll and leaf engraving and have a line-engraved background. The assembler’s mark and Colt “VP/triangle proof are located on the left front trigger guard bow. The two-tone magazine is marked: “CAL.22/ COLT” on the bottom of the floor plate. The pistol is complete with a Colt black cardboard carton. The end of the carton has a white label with the model designation - “TARGET” and a blue and white label: “PATRIDGE SIGHTS”. A black and white label glued to the top of the carton is marked “ENGRAVED”. The patent label is glued to the inside of the lid and an advertisement for Colt grips is glued to the bottom of the carton. The bottom of the carton is marked in pencil with the matching serial number. The pistol is complete with: (1) a Colt instruction manual, (2) sight adjustment screw-driver, (3) and original factory testing target. CONDITION: Near new in original box. The entire pistol retains 99% plus original factory blue finish with limited handling marks. All markings and engraving are crisp, clear and sharp. The grips are also like new. The original and matching factory carton is excellent showing only slight wear on the edges. The end labels are all intact. A rare opportunity to own a factory engraved like new condition Pre-War Woodsman worthy of the most advanced firearms collection. Estimate: 25,000 - 45,000