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LOT 329
Exceptional Documented Angelo Bee Exhibition Quality Master Engraved Gold and Silver Inlaid 1977 Production Houston, Texas Shipped Colt Government Model Semi- Automatic Pistol with Engraved Service Model Ace Conversion Slide and Case - Serial no. C92975, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, pearl grips. This very attractive Colt Government Model was originally manufactured in 1917, before being masterfully embellished by the legendary engraver Angelo Bee. An included certificate of authenticity signed by Bee lists the pistol by serial number and also mentions the matching included Service Model Ace conversion unit. The pistol shows near full coverage floral scroll engraving with gold inlaid borders and markings, as well as a gold and silver inlaid bald eagle on top of the slide. The included factory letter lists the pistol as shipped to C.L. Bering Company in Houston, Texas on 10 May 1917. The left side of the slide has the standard two-line, two-block address and patent dates, with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations and the caliber marking on the right. It is fitted with blade front and flat topped notch rear sights, long checkered trigger, checkered slide stop and thumb safety, wide checkered hammer, short grip safety, a flat smooth mainspring housing with lanyard loop on the base, and a two-tone magazine. The included Service Model Ace conversion slide has matching engraving and gold inlay, including a matching silver and gold inlaid bald eagle on top. It has the standard two-line address and patent dates on the left followed by a gold inlaid Rampant Colt, and the Service Model Ace markings are on the right. The pistol is fitted with an attractive pair of pearl grips, the right panel having a raised relief carved eagle (right grip slightly loose). Includes a hardwood case with Colt interior label attached, and the interior fitted for both the pistol and the Service Model Ace conversion components. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine as masterfully embellished by Angelo Bee, retains 98% plus of the blue finish with the slide stop showing a slight plum hue and crisp engraving overall. The grips are very fine with a few light handling marks and the right panel slightly loose on the screws. Mechanically excellent. The conversion unit is in similarly exceptionally fine condition with one of the inlaid eagle’s wing tips slightly loose but present. The custom case is fine with some scattered minor handling/storage marks.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500 267