Manufactured in 1936, this near mint Colt Woodsman Target Model pistol features a rare Colt Factory “B” engraving. Experts believe that only about 151 First Series Woodsman pistols were factory engraved. The factory letter confirms the 6 ½ inch barrel in .22 caliber, blue finish, and level “B” factory engraving with the type of stocks not listed. As documented by the factory letter, this Woodsman is made more remarkable by being a well-traveled factory display gun. Starting in 1936 this Woodsman traveled to several big city retailers across the United States in the years prior to World War II. The pistol originally left the factory on November 6, 1936, shipped to Loan Account, Frank J. Budge Co. of Miami, Florida. The pistol returned to the factory on January 14, 1938 and reshipped on loan account to the following locations: Lou J. Eppinger Detroit, Michigan January 19, 1938 Anderson & Ireland Co. Baltimore, Maryland February 4, 1938 L.P. Wood Burlington, Vermont March 17, 1938 Murta Appleton Co. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania May 5, 1938 Minor L. Hines East Cleveland, Ohio January 30, 1940 The factory records unfortunately did not include the final disposition of the pistol. 75% of the surfaces feature a fine factory floral scroll engraving on a punch dot background. This beautiful engraving appears on the frame, grip straps, all sides of the slide, and the top rear half of the barrel. The pistol has standard Colt markings with the barrel address/patent dates information inside an engraved banner. Fitted with standard sights and a set of fully checkered grips. The two-tone magazine is marked “COLT WOODSMAN/CAL. 22 L.R.” on the base. The original Colt factory box is numbered to the gun and features end labels for “ENGRAVED,” “TARGET,” “B” engraving. A “Shooting Suggestions” pamphlet and instructions are also included. Documented Colt factory display pieces are rarely encountered and this example's condition and factory engraving only add to its rarity. This Woodsman is in a category all of its own and is well deserving of the finest collection.

Excellent plus, retaining 99% plus original blue finish with very limited light handling marks. The engraving is crisp. The grips are excellent plus with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is fine with separated paper hinge and some repairable corner/edge separation. A stellar well-traveled retailer display factory engraved pre-World War II Colt Woodsman pistol that will be nearly impossible to improve upon on both in condition and history. This is truly as good as it gets!