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Exceptional Documented Bryson Gwinnell Master Engraved and Gold Inlaid Colt Model 1908 .380 Hammerle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:6,000.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
Exceptional Documented Bryson Gwinnell Master Engraved and Gold Inlaid Colt Model 1908 .380 Hammerle
This is an example of a Colt Model 1908 Hammerless Pocket Pistol that was manufactured in 1921. The pistol is fitted with the early, round profile, rear sight and half-moon front sight. This pistol was returned to Colt in 1979 and engraved by Bryson J. Gwinell (examples of Gwinnell's work are illustrated on pages 221-222 of, "THE BOOK OF COLT ENGRAVING, VOLUME TWO" by R. L. Wilson). The pistol has a high polish blue finish and is engraved with open scrollwork on a punch-dot background. The engraving coverage is Colt Type "A". The right side of the slide is decorated with a relief-inlaid gold bust of Samuel Colt framed by scrollwork. The left side of the frame is relief inlaid with the Colt coat-of-arms behind the trigger guard. The grips are ivory with German Silver Colt medallions. The right side of the slide is roll-stamped: "COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE .380 HAMMERLESS" and the left side is roll-stamped with the 1897 and 1903 patent dates in a two-line block followed by the Colt legend in two lines. The Rampant Colt trademark is stamped behind the left slide serrations. The serial number is located on the left side of the frame above the trigger. The full blue 7-shot magazine is marked: "CAL.380/COLT" on the floor plate. The pistol is accompanied by a copy of a letter from Gwinell that states he engraved "s/n 47714" in "1979-80". This pistol is pictured in profile on pages 212 and 220 of "THE COLT POCKET HAMMERLESS AUTOMATIC PISTOLS" by John W. Brunner.
BBL: 3 3/4 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 380 ACP
Finish: blue
Grips: ivory medallion
Serial Number: 47714
Condition: Near mint as custom embellished. The pistol retains nearly 100% of the high polish custom blue finish. The engraving is crisp and flawlessly executed and the gold inlays are sharp and precisely detailed. The ivory grips show traces of an attractive patina and remain in near new condition with no handling wear. This is an exceptional, well-documented, example of the finest Colt Custom Gun Shop workmanship applied to a classic Colt automatic pistol.