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  • /Lot 335

Lot 335:William H. Gough Master Engraved Colt Government Model Pistol

May 17th, 2024|Bedford, TX
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  • /Lot 335

Lot 335:William H. Gough Master Engraved Colt Government Model Pistol

May 17th, 2024|Bedford, TX
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Estimated Price$8,500 - $13,000
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Documented William H. Gough Master Engraved and Inscribed Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol with Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1919, the included factory letter with this Colt Government Model pistol states that it was shipped "Green (unfinished)" to William H. Gough in Utica, New York on 6 November 1919 "to be engraved" in a three gun shipment. The letter goes on to state that the pistol was then returned to the factory and subsequently shipped to Von Lengerke & Antoine in Chicago, Illinois on 29 November 1919. In the second ledger listing, the pistol is listed as engraved. The pistol has near full coverage floral scroll and zig-zag line engraving, masterfully executed by Gough, and a small panel on the top rear of the receiver is inscribed "W.F. Sims/1920". The identity of W.F. Sims is currently not completely known, though newspapers from Charlotte, North Carolina around 1920 list a W.F. Sims as a joint owner of a farm implement company, certainly someone wealthy enough to own an embellished sidearm such as this one. The left of the slide is marked with the standard two-line, two-block address and a patent dates on either side of a Rampant Colt, while the right has the two-line caliber marking. The right side of the frame has the model marking and serial number in two lines. It is fitted with blade front and flat top notch rear sights, checkered slide stop and thumb safety, long smooth trigger, short grip safety, smooth straight mainspring housing with lanyard loop base, and a two-tone unmarked magazine with pinned base. The barrel is blued with a polished chamber hood and marked "5" on the bottom in front of the lug and "P". The walnut grips are multi-point checkered replacements.

ConditionFine, retains 40% of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina some scattered patches of light pinprick type surface pitting. The replacement grips have some scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
Details
ManufacturerColt
ModelGovernment
TypePistol
Serial number
ClassCurio & Relic Handgun
Caliber / Gauge45 ACP
Barrel5 inch round
Finishblue
Gripwalnut

Item LocationBedford, TX
Views2398
Catalog page306
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