This is a scarce pre-war Woodsman with a King's "barrel weight" conversion manufactured in 1940. The conversion consists of an attached under-barrel tube which contains two original cylindrical weights. Both are 2-3/8 inches long. One appears to be solid steel and weighs 1.6 ounces. The other has a threaded cap in one end and weighs 2.4 ounces, probably mercury per King's patent. The balance changes depending on the placement of the two weights. There are no markings on the parts. The frame behind the trigger is drilled for the King trigger stop but one is not installed. These King conversions were very popular in the 1940's and 1950's. Standard markings on the left side of the frame and slide, with the serial number on the front strap and the square serrated panel on the backstrap. The number 77 is stamped on the right side of the trigger guard with "P" over the "VP" triangle on the left. This extremely rare and desirable variation of a Colt Woodsman is identical to a Colt advertising photograph on the bottom of page 461 of "The Book of Colt Firearms." With unnumbered Colt black box.

Excellent, with approximately 98% of the original blue finish. There are a few light scratches and a bright gray line on the left side of the slide, along with some edge wear and minor spotting overall. The grips are excellent, with a few minor pressure dents and crisp checkering. The box is good, with some tearing at the corners and other wear. Mechanically is excellent.