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RARE COLT ARGENTINE MODELO 1916 SEMI-AUTO PISTOL.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
RARE COLT ARGENTINE MODELO 1916 SEMI-AUTO PISTOL.
Cal. 45 ACP. S# C 20062. Bbl. 5 " with "062" and narrow diamond proof over chamber. Mfg. 1915 by Colt in Hartford under Argentine order of 1,000 units within serial range of C 20001 to C 21000. Argentina adopted the 1911 as their service pistol in 1914. Their first order was for 321 units (Model of 1914) for their Navy that were delivered directly as the US was making ships for them. Their second order (1,000 units) was for their Army which was sent to them via London Armory Co. and called Model of 1916. Their final order was 400 units called Model of 1919. Later, Colt produced 10,000 Modelo 1927's before Argentina was allowed to make 1911's as System 27 using Colt supplied equipment. This is the 62nd pistol of the 1916 order that has been refurbished (as are most encountered examples) with various parts that include some likely from the System 1927. Some early Model of 1916 examples were imported to the US in the early 1960's without import marks plus some later that had CAI import marks on the bottom of their trigger guards. This pistol was completely stripped and there are no import marks present. The refinish is blued rather than parkerized as were later imports. "R" and "RA" were inspection marks used by Argentine inspectors assigned to Colt. Left rear of trigger guard, top of frame by disconnector and bottom back of short (checkered face) milled trigger have "R"; top back of trigger has "RA"; normally fitted with long, smooth faced triggers. Rear of slide under firing pin hole has a stamped triangle; top has Argentine crest plus "062". Left side of slide has normal Colt 5 patent date legend plus "COLT AUTOMATIC" over "CALIBER 45" on right. Sights are U notch rear and semi circular front blade. Slide stop is 1927 style without proper milled under cut of Model 1916; thumb safety of correct under cut style. Wide spur hammer has borderless checkering and signs of firing pin impacts on face. Grips are nicely figured walnut reproductions of double diamond style with proper close fit to mainspring housing pin on left; reproduction style gap on right. MAGS: 1 worn (no pitting) blued 7 rd. with "COLT" over ".45 AUTO" on base. CONDITION: Very good appearing example with obvious arsenal type refurbishment. Barrel is a new replacement (including link) with slightly more throating than period Colt barrels. Blued finish (including firing pin and new appearing spring guide) retains clear markings throughout plus evidence of prior pitting being vivid under outline of grips. Some distinct pitting on very top of slide between front sight and ejection port. Occasional light scratches (most notable near top of front strap) plus thinning on some edges. Very light function wear on barrel at port. Feed ramp lightly polished leaving portions of original milling marks. New firing pin retainer and extractor with proper tension. No signs of oxidation on internals (other than under grips) nor on backs of parts. New grip screws. Magazine release appears new with used retainer having lightly damaged screw slot. Worn, used sear spring. Light oxidation on rear of rear sight. Non Colt robust recoil spring of larger diameter wire than original. Near excellent bore and grips that have screw recesses larger than screw heads. (23-6918/NW). CURIO. $3,000-4,000.