Manufactured in 1948, this is an extremely rare example of an early post-World War II, factory engraved, Colt Super 38 Pistol which was used as part of Colt's traveling display, particularly at the N.R.A. convention. In "The Colt Engraving Book Vol. II" by R.L. Wilson on p. 599, it is noted that prior to World War II, approximately 32 Colt Super 38 pistols were factory engraved, with about 17 inscribed during the same period. Wilson goes on to state that after World War II, up until 1971 when the Series 70 was introduced and production of the true Super 38 model ceased, only about six were factory engraved, with a few more than that number hand-inscribed, making this pistol incredibly scarce. This example was almost certainly engraved by Colt factory Master Engraver Wilbur A. Glahn (1888-1951), showing many similarities to a National Match pistol engraved by him pictured on the previously mentioned page, as well as similarities to the matching pair shown on p. 601 of the same book, which are also gold inlaid. Glahn engraved handled the bulk of Colt's engraving work from 1919 until becoming ill in the spring of 1950, followed by his passing in early 1951. The included factory letter with this example confirms the caliber, barrel length, and blue finish, with the grips not listed. It goes on to state that the pistol has "C" class factory engraving with the engraver not listed, and that it was charged to the loan account and shipped to T.C. McPartland for the N.R.A. Convention on 22 October 1948. The letter additionally notes that the records indicate that the pistol was used as part of Colt's traveling display and that it was eventually returned to the factory and subsequently shipped to Wm. Quinn & Son in Freehold, New Jersey on 28 October 1968. Colt's displays at shows all over the country such as the N.R.A. convention were an incredible marketing tool during the post-war period geared at turning returning G.I.'s, some of whom carried Colt pistols during the war, into civilian sector customers. The near full coverage, class "C" factory engraving in the typical style of Wilbur Glahn, primarily featuring intertwined vines of floral scroll with a very finely punch-dotted background, which encompasses almost all of the main surfaces of the pistol as well as most of the small parts including the barrel bushing. The sides of the frame and slide, as well as many of the small parts are finished in high polish blue, while the remainder is primarily matte blue. The left side of the slide has the standard one-line address, while the right is marked "COLT" and "SUPER 38/AUTOMATIC". The serial number is marked on the right of the frame and "C" is marked in hammer well under the firing pin stop plate. The blued barrel has a polished chamber hood and muzzle and is unmarked. It is fitted with blade and flat-topped notch sights, serrated slide stop, checkered thumb safety, checkered narrow hammer, long grip safety, and an arched serrated mainspring housing. The magazine is full blue with Super 38 markings on the base and the grips are smooth antique ivory with Colt medallions. Also included is a correct factory box with the end label additionally hand marked "71816 CU. ENG." and an extra pair of very finely figured hardwood grips.

Excellent, retains 98% plus of the original blue finish with some very light slide retraction wear, very light wear on the sides of the trigger, and crisp engraving overall. The grips are also excellent with a few scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The box is excellent with some very light handling/storage wear. Do not miss this opportunity to own one of only six post-World War II, factory engraved, Colt Super 38 pistols, especially this one, which was part of Colt's traveling display during the post-war period!