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Historic Original Colt Serial Number "1" Camp Perry Model Single Shot Target Pistol with Engraved Si

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:32,500.00 USD Estimated At:65,000.00 - 95,000.00 USD
Historic Original Colt Serial Number  1  Camp Perry Model Single Shot Target Pistol with Engraved Si
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Estimate: $65000 - 95000
Pictured on page 544, THE COLT ENGRAVING BOOK, vol. 2 by R.L. Wilson. The exquisite engraving/inscription is authenticated as that of Colt's Master Engraver, Rudolph J. Kornbrath. What an outstanding example of one of the rarest of the Colt target pistols ever made, the very first all original unaltered serial number "1" Camp Perry single shot target pistol. This pistol was presented by Samuel M. Stone, President of the Colt factory to Connecticut Governor, John H. Trumbull, in 1926, which was a continuation of a long standing Colt practice of garnering favors by presenting firearms to high ranking political and military figures. The Camp Perry pistol has always been a super favorite of not only Colt collectors but also of target pistol collectors, so what better than to be able to offer the very first Camp Perry pistol model. When these were manufactured in 1926 they took the shooting community by storm by introducing a very innovative single shot design with a match chamber that featured a long sighting radius with a simple swing out single shot cylinder/chamber. Anyone who considered themselves a high master pistol competitor had to have one of these. Since the single shot design eliminated the gap between the cylinder and barrel area, these pistols were able to turn in some exceptional scores with impressive test targets. This one is no different in that it is accompanied by an impressive original "10" shot factory test target, shot off-hand at 15 yards, that measures less than 1/2 inch. As noted, this exceptional pistol is accompanied by a factory letter dated Sept. 1988, that verifies that this pistol was given to Governor Trumbell. The top of the barrel has the Colt two-line address and patent dates with the left side of the barrel roll stamped with "CAL. 22 LONG RIFLE", with the side plate having an elongated stylized engraved banner that is intertwined with "Governor John H. Trumbull. --- December ----- 1926", with the Colt Rampant behind the inscription. The back side of the cylinder crane has a single number "1" with the same serial number "1" on the lower left side of the frame under the left grip panel. It has the original unaltered target front sight with the windage adjustable target rear sight and is fitted with a checkered trigger and back strap. It has checkered walnut grips with the silver Colt medallions at the top on each side. This beautiful pistol is accompanied by a complete set of original Colt factory drawings/blue prints for this pistol that include the frame, barrel, cylinder, hammer and various small parts; two original Colt factory test targets, annotated as being shot by the first "W" model target pistol, two original Colt hand written parts lists, with corresponding typed carbon copies of the same lists, five copies of "The Hartford Current" newspaper with several photos and articles of Governor Trumbell circa 1926, five late 1920s era "American Rifleman" magazines with advertisements and articles about the new and unique "Camp Perry" target pistol. This is certainly a one in a lifetime chance to obtain the very first original serial number "1" Colt Camp Perry target pistol with documentation.
BBL: 10 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 22 LR
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut checkered medallion
Serial Number: 1
Condition: Excellent with 97% of the original Colt factory blue finish overall with minor wear on the edges and high spots with just a hint of slightly more wear on the front grip strap. The checkered walnut grips are also excellent with nice distinct checkering on both sides with just a couple of very minor handling marks. With some new current, match grade 22LR ammunition, this pistol could probably turn in some impressive target scores in the hands of high master pistol shot. The accompanying documents and drawings are all excellent. What better than a full documented completely original Colt factory presentation serial number "1" pistol. Serial number "1" Colt pistols have had a proven track record of generating much competition for their respective acquisition! This could be the chance of a lifetime!