*SCARCE COLT BRITISH CONTRACT GOVERNMENT MODEL SEMI-AUTO PISTOL.

*SCARCE COLT BRITISH CONTRACT GOVERNMENT MODEL SEMI-AUTO PISTOL. SN W96105. Cal. 455 Eley. Blue finish with 5″ bbl that has British proofs and caliber marking on the skirt. Left side of slide has usual Colt markings with last patent date “1913” and rampant Colt at left rear end, that has British proof over the top. Right side of slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 455”. Right side of frame has the usual “GOVERNMENT MODEL” markings over SN which has the “W” prefix, signifying the British contract. Right side of frame has two additional British proofs and left side another British proof with the broad arrow British Ordnance acceptance mark. Left front web of trigger guard has additional British proofs. Mounted with diamond checkered walnut grips and accompanied by an orig 2-tone lanyard loop magazine with correctly marked “CAL .455 / ELEY” base. Approx. 11,000 of these pistols were produced on contract to the British government in 1915-1916. Inspection was all accomplished in the U.S. and after receipt in England were issued to the British Navy and to the British & Canadian Armies. In the 1920’s they were recalled and reissued to the Royal Air Force with RAF markings applied on left side of frame at that time. This apparently is one that was not reissued to the RAF as no marking is present in the usual place. PROVENANCE: Carl Metz Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine plus. Overall retains about 95% glossy orig blue with muzzle end wear on slide and light sharp edge wear with light nicks & scratches. Front & back straps are strong with bright blue on front strap, slightly dulled on hammer spring housing. Magazine is fine with some slight surface etching but retains bright finish on upper 1/3 and thin blue on lower 2/3. Grips are sound showing moderate wear with a few chipped diamonds. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-39835 JR256 (2,000-3,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2010

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1131	$2,817.50	SCARCE COLT BRITISH CONTRACT GOVERNMENT MODEL SEMI-AUTO PISTOL. SN W96105. Cal. 455 Eley. Blue finish with 5″ bbl that has British proofs and caliber marking on the skirt. Left side of slide has usual Colt markings with last patent date “1913” and rampant Colt at left rear end, that has British proof over the top. Right side of slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 455”. Right side of frame has the usual “GOVERNMENT MODEL” markings over SN which has the “W” prefix, signifying the British contract. Right side of frame has two additional British proofs and left side another British proof with the broad arrow British Ordnance acceptance mark. Left front web of trigger guard has additional British proofs. Mounted with diamond checkered walnut grips and accompanied by an orig 2-tone lanyard loop magazine with correctly marked “CAL .455 / ELEY” base. Approx. 11,000 of these pistols were produced on contract to the British government in 1915-1916. Inspection was all accomplished in the U.S. and after receipt in England were issued to the British Navy and to the British & Canadian Armies. In the 1920’s they were recalled and reissued to the Royal Air Force with RAF markings applied on left side of frame at that time. This apparently is one that was not reissued to the RAF as no marking is present in the usual place. PROVENANCE: Carl Metz Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine plus. Overall retains about 95% glossy orig blue with muzzle end wear on slide and light sharp edge wear with light nicks & scratches. Front & back straps are strong with bright blue on front strap, slightly dulled on hammer spring housing. Magazine is fine with some slight surface etching but retains bright finish on upper 1/3 and thin blue on lower 2/3. Grips are sound showing moderate wear with a few chipped diamonds. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-39835 JR256 (2,000-3,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2010 Please Note:* All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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