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LOT 1283
Exquisite Cased John K.
Barraclough Signed, Master
Engraved, and Multi-Color Gold Inlaid Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic
Pistol with Ivory Grips and Engraver Invoice - Serial no. 98668, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round
bbl., blue/multi-color gold finish, ivory grips. Frame manufactured c. 1917 based off of the
serial number, subsequently embellished by Master Engraver John K. Barraclough, signed
“J.BARRACLOUGH ENG./2012” on the left side of the grip frame under the grip, with extensive
gold inlaid vine scroll patterns and bordering across the frame and slide. The sides of the slide also
display central multi-colored gold inlaid and engraved floral loop patterns, along with a further engraved loop on top of
the side above a bouquet of seven multi-colored gold inlaid and engraved roses just ahead of the chamber. The initials “M/J/B”
are gold inlaid on the bottom of the trigger guard, and matching vine themed gold inlays are continued on the checkered slide
catch, short milled trigger, and arched mainspring housing. “MJB” are the initials of Matthew James Brownell, the youngest son of
Frank Brownell. Features fixed oval blade front and square notch rear sights, a blued barrel with two punch marks and a polished
chamber hood, gold plated barrel bushing and wide-spur hammer, engraving and gold plating on the thumb safety, A1 pattern finger clearance cuts to the frame, along
with the gold inlaid serial number and roll-marked manufacturer’s address on the right side of the frame. Fitted with a pair of smooth ivory grips with engraved and
gold plated screws and a blued magazine with matching gold inlaid pattern on the base. Includes a March 14, 2014 dated invoice from John K. Barraclough confirming
the pistol by serial number as “Custom hand Engraved and gold inlaid.” and a Colt marked glass paneled hardwood display case. The pistol in the following lot is also an
elegant example of John K. Barraclough’s artistry.
CONDITION: Excellent as masterfully embellished, retaining 99% original blue and 98% plus original gold inlays and plating, with some limited minor handling evidence
along with crisp inlays and engraving. The grips are also excellent with some minor age lines, attractive grain figure and coloration. Mechanically excellent. The case is
exceptionally fine. Overall an exquisitely executed work of firearms artistry as performed by Master Engraver John K. Barraclough!
Provenance: The Frank Brownell Collection.
Estimate: 8,000 - 13,000
LOT 1284
Cased John K. Barraclough Signed, Master
Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Colt Model 1908
Vest Pocket Semi-Automatic Pistol with
Pearl Grips and Engraver Letter - Serial no.
266221, 25 ACP cal., 2 inch barrel bbl., blue/gold
finish, pearl grips. Manufactured in 1920 based off of the serial
number, and subsequently masterfully embellished by Master Engraver
John K. Barraclough, with the engraver’s signature “J. BARRACLOUGH ENG.”
marked on the left side of the grip frame under the grip. The frame and slide
are adorned with 50% coverage fine floral scroll pattern engraving with relieved
and matted backdrops, along with gold inlaid bordering and intricate gold inlaid vine
patterns on the sides of the slide. Features fixed non-snag recessed blade front and notch rear sights in groove,
gold inlaid Colt logo on the left of the slide and gold inlaid caliber designation on the right side, the serial number gold inlaid on the
left of the frame, along with a gold plated trigger, thumb safety, and magazine release. The left of the trigger guard is marked with “1”
over “triangle/VP” factory proofs, with “91” on the right side. Fitted with a pair of smooth pearl grips and a blued magazine with gold inlaid
bordering and “CAL. 25/COLT” on the base. Includes a maple display case and a card, shaped as a Colt Third Model Dragoon revolver, with
a January 22, 2012 dated message from the engraver to Frank Brownell thanking him for his support of firearm artistry and mentioning a
“small gift” in appreciation (while not specified, likely this pistol). The pistol in the previous lot is also an elegant example of John K. Barraclough’s artistry.
CONDITION: Excellent as masterfully embellished, retaining 99% blue and gold finishes with limited minor handling wear, along with crisp inlays and engraving. The
grips are exceptionally fine with some handling marks and lustrous colors. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine. Overall a very attractive example of a Colt
Model 1908 Vest Pocket pistol elegantly upgraded by Master Engraver John K. Barraclough!
Provenance: The Frank Brownell Collection.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500