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LOT 555
Very Attractive Matching Pair of Ben Lane
Master Engraved and Signed Colt Mk. IV
Series 70 Gold Cup National Match Semi-
Automatic Pistols with Scrimshawed Ivory
Grips -A) Colt Mk. IV Series 70 Gold Cup National Match Pistol - Serial no. 70N63296, 45 ACP
cal., 5 inch round bbl., electroless nickel finish, ivory grips. Originally manufactured in 1978, this pair
of Colt Mk. IV Series 70 Gold Cup National Match pistols were beautifully upgraded and embellished
by Master Engraver Ben Lane Jr. (1940-2023), who signed his work on the frames under the grip panels
with his typical conjoined “BL” marking. Lane was a Colt Master Engraver, founding member and past
president of the Firearms Engraving Guild, and a founding member of the Colt Collector’s Association.
This very attractive pair of pistols show matching engraving featuring near full coverage vine scroll
engraving on the sides of
the frame and sides of
the slide, while the upper
surface of the slide and
lower surface of the frame
show a more matte nickel
finish. The initials “J.F.B.” are
engraved on the left forward portion of the frame on the “A” gun and on the right forward portion
of the frame on the “B” gun. The left sides of the slides have the three-line model and caliber marking
followed by the Rampant Colt, while the right sides of the slides have the two-line Gold Cup National
Match marking. The single line address and serial numbers, which are only 126 digits apart, are on the
right side of the frames. Both of the pistols are fitted with Patridge blade front sights, Elliason adjustable
notch rear sights, and adjustable serrated triggers. They are both fitted with smooth ivory grips that have a scrimshawed
eagle on one panel and the initials “FB” on the other, the designs are mirrored on the right and left between the two pistols.
CONDITION: Excellent as embellished by Master Engraver Ben Lane Jr., retains 99% plus of the electroless nickel finish with
only the slightest handling evidence and crisp engraving overall. The grips are also excellent with a few faint age lines and
crisp scrimshaw designs. Mechanically excellent. B) Colt Mk. IV Series 70 Gold Cup National Match Pistol - Serial no.
70N63422, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., electroless nickel finish, ivory grips. See description for “A”.
CONDITION: Excellent as embellished by Master Engraver Ben Lane Jr., retains 99% plus of the electroless nickel finish with
only the slightest handling evidence, minor spotting on the sights and hammer, and crisp engraving overall. The grips are also
excellent with a few faint age lines and crisp scrimshaw designs. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 554
Attractive Robert Burt Signed
Master Engraved Colt Mk. IV
Series 70 Combat Commander
Semi-Automatic Pistol with
Relief Carved Ivory Grips, Case,
and Factory Letter - Serial no.
70BS28500, 45 ACP cal., 4 1/4 inch round bbl.,
nickel finish, carved ivory grips. Manufactured in 1975, this Colt
Combat Commander was subsequently beautifully embellished by
Colt Master Engraver Robert Burt, apparently as a freelance piece.
Burt took over as Master Engraver at the Colt factory in 1970 at 26 years
old, becoming the youngest craftsman in the 20th century to be appointed
to the role. Burt continued in that role until 1981, when he left the factory
and continued as a freelance engraver. This particular pistol appears to have
been engraved by Burt some years after its manufacture, after he had left
the factory and begun work on his own. The pistol shows near full coverage,
beautifully executed floral scroll and oak leaf/acorn engraving on essentially
all the surfaces and is signed “Colt Master Eng./R.Burt” on the frame under
the left grip. In addition to the engraving, the pistol has the standard Colt
markings overall. It is fitted with blade and notch sights and a very attractive
pair of relief carved ivory grips, which feature a steer’s head on the left and an
American eagle and shield on the right. The included factory letter lists the pistol in .45 ACP, with a 4 1/4 inch barrel, blue finish, grips not listed, and shipment to John Jovino Company of New York on 17 March 1975 as part of a
172 gun shipment. Includes a hardwood Colt case with interior fitted for the pistol.
CONDITION: Very fine as embellished by Colt Master Engraver Robert Burt, retaining 99% plus of the nickel plated finish with only the slightest handling marks overall and crisp engraving. The grips are also very fine with an
attractive lightly aged tone, a few hairline age cracks, and crisp carving. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with some light handling/storage wear.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000