Manufactured in 1940, this Colt National Match pistol was carried by legendary Henderson County, Texas sheriff, Jess Sweeten. The included 1975 dated affidavit signed by Sweeten lists the pistol by serial number and states that he was carrying it during two gunfights in his career. The first gunfight is described by Sweeten as: "A fellow was barracaded [sic] in a house and was shooting at people with a 44-40 rifle. When I approached the house, all of the blinds were pulled and I walked up on the front porch and kicked the door open. He was standing about fifteen feet from me. He started to his shoulder with his rifle. He was hit three times with this gun and died immediately." The other gunfight is described as happening in 1944 with three bank robbers in Tenaha, Texas. It is described as happening at a farm house and that one of them was "scalped" and the another had his little finger shot off before all three were captured the next morning at the local doctor's office. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration (grips not listed) as well as shipment to Cullum & Boren Company in Dallas, Texas on 29 June 1940 along with the matching Colt National Match pistol in the following lot. The pistol has standard markings and features apart from the grips, which are floral engraved and silver plated, and mounted with rose gold flowers, a steer head on the left, and a shrine emblem on the right along with a banner engraved "JESS SWEETEN".

Fine, retains 90% plus of the period replated chrome finish with some scattered light handling marks throughout, typical of a Texas lawman's sidearm. The period upgraded grips are very fine showing an attractively aged patina overall and minimal handling evidence. Mechanically excellent. An opportunity to add a Texas gunfighter and lawman's sidearm to your collection!