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Documented Historical, Rare Factory Engraved Cased Presentation Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:27,500.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Documented Historical, Rare Factory Engraved Cased Presentation Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic
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Estimate: $55000 - 85000
The Government model pistol is blued with Colt Grade C factory engraving and fitted with gold-inlaid ivory stocks. This pistol was engraved by Wilbur A. Glahn as a presentation from Connecticut Governor John H. Trumbell to Virginia Governor E. Lee Trinkle. The pistol is accompanied by a Colt factory letter that describes the finish as "blue" and indicates that the pistol was factory engraved. The letter describes the stocks as: "Plain ivory with a gold plate inset into each stock. The left stock features the seal of Virginia and the right stock features the seal of Connecticut." The letter states that the pistol was shipped to Governor John H. Trumbull on June 26, 1925. The pistol features Glahn's distinctive scroll and foliate engraving on a stippled background. The engraving covers the entire pistol and includes the slide stop, safety lock and grip safety. The model designation and serial number on the right side of the receiver, Colt proofmark on the left trigger bow and model designation and Colt legend on the sides of the slide are in engraved panels. The pistol is complete with a black, leather covered, factory fitted, presentation case with blue velvet and silk lining. The top of the case is fitted with a silver plate engraved: "PRESENTED TO/GOVERNOR E. LEE TRINKLE/OF VIRGINIA/BY/GOVERNOR JOHN H. TRUMBULL/OF CONNECTICUT/IN COMMEMORATION/OF THE/150th ANNIVERSARY OF THE/SECOND COMPANY GOVERNOR'S FOOT GUARD/MAY 18-19 1925/1775-1925". Colt expert R.L. Wilson states on page 435 of "THE BOOK OF COLT FIREARMS" that: "Approximately 140 Model 1911 and Model 1911A1 pre-World War II pistols were engraved, and of these seven were known to have been gold inlaid. About 160 were inscribed or monogrammed, and of these four are known to have been gold inlaid. Some of the most interesting pistols were: Serial # 144175, engraved and gold inlaid for Connecticut Governor John H. Trumbull." Wilson further states: "Cased sets were made in limited quantities only, and they are seldom encountered." Documents with the pistol describe the Second Company, Governor's Foot Guard as a historic state military organization with headquarters in New Haven, Connecticut that was chartered in 1775. The Foot Guard serve as escorts to the Governors of Connecticut and escorted General George Washington when he passed through New Haven on July 2, 1775, to take command of the American Army in Boston.
BBL: 5 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 ACP
Finish: blue
Grips: ivory
Serial Number: C144175
Condition: Excellent plus. The pistol retains 99% of the original high polish Colt blue finish. The two-tone magazine is in excellent condition. The engraving is perfect. The ivory stocks have yellowed slightly with age but remain in excellent condition. Wear is limited to several very minor storage marks and a minute chip at the top of the Virginia seal. The case exterior is in very fine condition with several nicks and scratches in the leather exterior. The leather covering over one hinge is torn and the hinge is loose. The case lining is in very good condition with no rips or tears. The velvet and silk lining is lightly oil stained from contact with the pistol. This is an outstanding example of a historical, rare factory cased and engraved, presentation Colt Government Model semi-automatic pistol with gold inset ivory stocks.