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LOT 391
Fine Early Production
Serial Number C4890 Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol with Holster - Serial no. C4890,
LOT 390
Cased Fiala Arms Model 1920 Magazine-Fed Single Shot Pistol/Carbine with Stock and Extra Barrels - Serial no. 4361, 22 LR cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. These interesting pistols were produced for only a few years starting in 1920, with only about 5,000 manufactured before production halted. It was designed by Anthony Fiala, a well-known adventurer and explorer, who created this magazine-fed single shot because he didn’t trust semi-automatic designs to function in sub-zero environments such as on arctic expeditions. This example has standard markings and features, with the fitted barrel numbered “1949”. It is in a hardwood case with an extra 20 inch barrel with forearm numbered “357”, extra 3 inch barrel numbered “3097”, a shoulder stock with attaching screw, two full 50-count boxes of Western .22 LR cartridges, two 1927 dated buffalo nickels, and a key for the case. CONDITION: Very fine, retains 75% plus of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to a smooth grey patina, some scattered minor tool marks, and a few scattered patches of light pitting. The extra barrels are in similarly very fine condition. The wood grips, forearm, and stock are also very fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with felt added to the exterior of the lid, loose leather handle, and mild wear overall. Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 392
Early Production Colt Sporting Model 1902 Semi-
Automatic Pistol with Holster - Serial no. 4990, 38 Colt
auto cal., 6 inch round bbl., blue finish, hard rubber grips.
Manufactured in 1903, the second year of production of the
Sporting Model 1902. This specific pistol exhibits the early, plunge- milled, serrations on the forward portion of the slide, which was standard serial number 8000, when the serrations were changed to a V-cut, and then at serial number 8200 were moved to the rear of the slide. It is also fitted with the early production spur hammer, a carry over from the Model 1900, which was phased out in mid-1904. The left side
of the slide is marked with the three-line “BROWNING’S PATENT” marking, the two-line Colt address, and circled Rampant Colt at the rear. The
right side of the slide has the standard two-line caliber marking. The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number. It is fitted with blade front and round top notch rear sights, checkered hard rubber grips with “COLT” banners at the top and Rampant Colts at the center, and a correct early pattern nickeled magazine with floorplate marked “PAT’D SEPT.9.1884”. Includes a faintly tooled leather holster.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 70% of the bright original high polish blue
finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina, primarily
on the grip straps, right rear of the slide, and edges, and a few scattered very small patches of light surface pitting. The grips are excellent with some scattered light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 393
Excellent Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket Semi-Automatic Pistol with Box - Serial no. 372949, 25 ACP cal., 2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured
in 1928 with standard two-line address/
patent dates and Rampant Colt on the left
of the slide, caliber marking on the right,
serial number on the left of the frame, “1” over “VP” marked trigger guard, and standard features. Includes the original Colt maroon box.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 98% plus of the original blue and casehardened finishes with some very slight edge wear and a few small patches of light spotting. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is very good with some mild wear.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
45 ACP cal., 5 inch
round bbl., blue
finish, walnut grips.
Manufactured in
1913, the second
year of production
of the commercial
Government Model.
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 and the “GOVERNMENT MODEL” marking on the
front right of the frame which was already in the process of being phased out when this pistol was manufactured, and is believed to have been completely changed by serial number C5000. The slide on this pistol bears the two-line, two-block address and patent markings on the left side with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The right of the slide has the caliber markings. The blued barrel is marked “N” on the bottom in front of the lug. “VP” and “R” are on the trigger guard. The early four-digit serial number is located on the right of the frame. There are British commercial proofs on the frame, slide, and barrel. Fitted with fixed blade and notch sights, a set of replacement diamond pattern checkered grips, and an unmarked two-tone magazine with lanyard loop on the bottom. Includes a leather holster,
extra magazine, and lanyard.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 70% of the bright high polish original blue finish with some scattered patches of mild oxidation and pitting, focused primarily on the left side
of the slide, some light handling marks scattered throughout, and a series of minor cleaning type scratches on top of the slide. 60% of the bright original nitre blue remains on the small parts. The grips are very fine with some scattered light handling marks and otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The holster is fine
with some mild wear.
270 Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500