Page 277 - 4094-BOOK1

LOT 305
Outstanding Pre-World War II Factory Special Order “Loan Account” Colt’s
Patent Fire-Arms Mfg. Co. Shipped Colt Ace Semi-Automatic Pistol with
Factory Letter and Original Box - Serial no. 9952, 22 LR cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., blue
finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1939, the included factory letter confirms the pistol’s
configuration, including a 4 3/4 inch barrel chambered for .22 caliber, blue finish, and type of
grips not listed, when sent in a lone shipment the Loan Account of L.C. Davis, Colt’s Patent Fire-Arms
Mfg. Co. The pistol was returned to the factory on July 12, 1939, then sent in a shipment of two pistols
to Von Lengerke and Antoine in Chicago, Illinois, on July 18, 1939. Features fixed oval blade front and
adjustable tangent rear sights, unmarked blued barrel with polished chamber hood, along with checkered
slide catch, short trigger, thumb safety, wide spur hammer, and arched mainspring housing. The right of the
slide bears the two-line Colt address and patent dates with Rampant Colt, with the “ACE” designation and caliber
marking on the right side. The right of the frame bears the serial number, the “4” and “triangle/VP” marked on
the left of the trigger guard. Fitted with a pair of checkered walnut grips and a correct two-tone blued magazine
marked “COLT/ACE/22LR” on the base. Includes the original Colt maroon box with appropriate end label and
matching serial number written on the underside in pencil, manual, and bore brush.
CONDITION: Excellent plus, near new in box, retaining 99% plus bright original blue finish with some limited
minor cycling wear, limited handling evidence, and crisp markings. The grips are also excellent plus with
attractive oil finish and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is very good with worn edges. It would
be difficult to find another Pre-World War II Colt Ace pistol in this outstanding condition and with similar history!
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000 275