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

*SCARCE BRITISH CONTRACT COLT GOVERNMENT MODEL SEMI-AUTO PISTOL. SN W40632. Cal. 455 Eley/45 ACP. Blue finish with 5″ 45 ACP bbl, orig fixed sights with thin half moon front blade. Left side of frame above the trigger and on front web of trigger guard have British proofs along with the British broad arrow. Left side of slide has usual markings with rampant Colt at left rear with British proof over top. Right side of slide has usual markings with “CALIBRE 455”. Right side of frame has the “GOVERNMENT MODEL” marking and a “W” prefix serial number. Mounted with diamond checkered walnut grips and accompanied by an orig “455” 2-tone lanyard loop magazine. Only 11,000 of these scarce pistols were produced in 1915 & 1916 for the British government which were issued to the British Navy and to the British and Canadian Armies. In the early 1920’s they were reissued to the Royal Air Force and those pistols were additionally marked with an “RAF” stamp on left side of frame. This is one of the few that apparently was not reissued. PROVENANCE: John Irwin Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good. Overall retains about 75% orig Colt blue with an area of pitting on left side of slide & frame. Front & back straps are thin blue/gray finish. Grips are sound showing moderate to heavy wear on right side with a few chipped diamonds on left side. Magazine is very fine with some minor surface etching. Mechanics are crisp, strong bright bore with minor frosting in the grooves. 4-36807 JR42 (2,500-3,500)

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
	1130	$2,300.00	SCARCE BRITISH CONTRACT COLT GOVERNMENT MODEL SEMI-AUTO PISTOL. SN W40632. Cal. 455 Eley/45 ACP. Blue finish with 5″ 45 ACP bbl, orig fixed sights with thin half moon front blade. Left side of frame above the trigger and on front web of trigger guard have British proofs along with the British broad arrow. Left side of slide has usual markings with rampant Colt at left rear with British proof over top. Right side of slide has usual markings with “CALIBRE 455”. Right side of frame has the “GOVERNMENT MODEL” marking and a “W” prefix serial number. Mounted with diamond checkered walnut grips and accompanied by an orig “455” 2-tone lanyard loop magazine. Only 11,000 of these scarce pistols were produced in 1915 & 1916 for the British government which were issued to the British Navy and to the British and Canadian Armies. In the early 1920’s they were reissued to the Royal Air Force and those pistols were additionally marked with an “RAF” stamp on left side of frame. This is one of the few that apparently was not reissued. PROVENANCE: John Irwin Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good. Overall retains about 75% orig Colt blue with an area of pitting on left side of slide & frame. Front & back straps are thin blue/gray finish. Grips are sound showing moderate to heavy wear on right side with a few chipped diamonds on left side. Magazine is very fine with some minor surface etching. Mechanics are crisp, strong bright bore with minor frosting in the grooves. 4-36807 JR42 (2,500-3,500) 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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