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LOT 539
Rare and Spectacular Well-Documented Factory “B” Engraved Colt First Series Woodsman Semi-Automatic Target Pistol with Box and Factory Letter - Serial no. 99627, 22 LR cal., 6 5/8 inch round
bbl., blue finish, checkered walnut grips. Offered here is one of the rarest of Colts line of .22 semi-automatic pistols: a factory engraved pre-World War II First Series Woodsman that was manufactured in 1936. Experts believe that
only about 151 First Series Woodsmans were factory engraved, making this Woodsman a highly sought after collectable often missing from even the most advanced Colt collections. It will be a long time before another one comes
up for sale, especially in this high of condition. The pistol certainly has all the
appearance of just being released from the factory. The pistol is documented in R.L. Wilson’s “The Book of Colt Engraving” on page 329 (note the different grips).
The accompanying factory letter lists this factory masterpiece with a 6 1/2 inch barrel in .22 caliber, level “B” factory engraving and type of stocks not listed. The pistol
was originally shipped to Loan Account, Cook, Newton, & Smith, New Haven, Connecticut on March 11, 1936. This was a single gun shipment on order number 15812/2. The letter goes on to state, “The records further indicate this pistol was returned to the factory on June 3, 936. It was then shipped on loan account to von Lengerke & Antoine in Chicago, Illinois, on June 27, 1936. It was finally purchased
by von Lengerke & Antoine on December 22, 1936.” Although the engraver’s identity remains unknown, the work was likely done by William Gough. During this period Colt frequently sent guns
to Gough for engraving and the guns would be sent back to the Colt factory for finishing. Gough’s engraving style is very similar to Wilbur Glahn’s. 80% of the surface features fine factory floral scroll engraving on a punch dot background. This beautiful engraving appears on the frame, grip straps, all sides of the slide and barrel at the muzzle and rear section. The pistol has standard Colt markings
with the barrel address/patent dates information inside an engraved double line banner. The barrel has an unusual replacement front sight (missing a pin). The rear sight is a standard factory adjustable
square notch. The front of the frame has provision for barrel weights (see image). The pistol wears a set of fully checkered panel grips and is fitted with a “COLT WOODSMAN/CAL. 22 L.R.” marked full
blue magazine. The period correct box has been renumbered to the gun and features a “SPECIAL TARGET” end label. Comes with a bore brush, matching numbered test target and instructions.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 98% plus of the blue finish with the back strap thinning only slightly. The grips are also excellent with crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. The box is very good with repairs and wear. Do not miss your opportunity to acquire a rarely seen factory engraved First Series Woodsman. A highly desirable specimen missing from even the most advanced Colt collections!
Provenance: The David S. Woloch Collection; The Robert E. Petersen Collection; The Tom Selleck Collection.
Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK OF COLT ENGRAVING BY WILSON
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