Manufactured in 1916, this Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket pistol shows a few attractive special order features. The included factory letter lists the pistol in .25 caliber with a 2 inch barrel, gold finish, pearl grips, and level 3 factory engraving when shipped on 23 March 1916 to the famous Shelton-Payne Arms Co. in El Paso, Texas, in order number 961 as a two gun shipment. This pistol has standard markings and is fitted with a pair of smooth pearl grips with Colt medallions. Also includes a plain box labeled to match the gun. Shelton Payne Arms Co. was a well known Texas supplier of firearms, ammunition, sporting goods, and leather goods, with famous clientèle such as General George S. Patton. The pistol itself has the standard two-line address/patent dates on the left of the slide and the caliber marking on the right. The serial number is marked on the left of the frame. The factory level 3 engraving consists of about 30% coverage floral scroll and wavy line engraving. It is fitted with the standard blade and groove/notch sights, a pair of gold Colt medallion pearl grips, and a correct gold plated magazine. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Very fine, retains 85% of the period replated, most likely factory, gold plating with a patch of spotting on top of the slide, some mild high spot wear, and crisp engraving overall. The grips are fine with a moderate chip absent from the right panel near the screw and otherwise only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A very attractive, Texas shipped, factory engraved and gold plated, Colt Model 1908 vest pocket!