This is an example of a pre war Colt Government Model Pistol with factory engraving, carved ivory grips, Pre-National Match sight, trigger, "MB" barrel and Colt factory letter. The factory letter states that this pistol was shipped to Harold D. Murray on January 14, 1930, and had a blue finish, ivory stocks and Class "A" engraving. The letter further notes that the pistol had a special order 1/10 inch Partridge front sight, factory adjusted trigger pull and was targeted. The pistol is engraved with floral designs on a stippled background by Colt's master engraver Wilbur A. Glahn. A Colt Government Model Automatic pistol with nearly identical engraving is illustrated on page 599 of "THE BOOK OF COLT ENGRAVING VOLUME TWO" by R.L. Wilson. On page 293 of the "THE BOOK OF COLT ENGRAVING" Wilson states that Glahn's engraving photostats for a number of Colt pistols exist, including the photostats for: "Style B on Government Model Automatic pistol number C156706". The right factory ivory stock is relief carved with a steer head motif and the left stock is plain. In addition to the special order Partridge front sight and adjusted trigger pull listed in the factory letter, the pistol is fitted with a Match Barrel and the trigger face is checkered. The left side of the barrel lug is stamped with encircled letters "MB" (Match Barrel). The combination of 1/10' inch wide Partridge front sight, adjusted trigger pull and special match barrel are the primary features of the Colt Government Model National Match pistols introduced by Colt in 1932. The first prototype National Match Government Model pistols were demonstrated by Henry J. (Fitz) Fitzgerald at the Camp Perry National Matches in August 1930. This pistol is a Pre-National Match Government Model that has all the features incorporated by Colt in the early production, pre-war, National Match pistols. The pistol has the standard Colt commercial markings on the slide and frame in panels surrounded by floral engraving. The Colt "Triangle/VP" proofmark and "1" assembler's marks are stamped on the left side of the trigger guard bow. The serial number, "156/706" is stamped on the back of the slide above and below the firing pin hole. The top of the frame is stamped with a "G" production order mark next to the disconnector hole. The pistol is fitted with a post-war military magazine. This pistol was owned by LT. COL. John Considine. Colonel Considine was a U.S. Army officer who subsequently served as Brigadier General with the Guatemalan Army during the 1930s. The group includes two Colt Automatic Pistols holsters: WWII M1916 Holster and a commercial, 'Mexican Loop' holster with embroidered floral decorations. Also included in this lot are a number of period photographs of LT. COL. Considine in Central America; one of these photographs clearly shows him wearing this pistol in the commercial holster. The group also contains several medals which include a Distinguished Marksman Medal with six gold Distinguished Marksman Bars for awards for 1912-16 and 1918. Factory engraved Colt Government Model pistols are rare. Colt engraved approximately 140 Government Model pistols between 1912 and 1941. Approximately 25 National Match Government Models had factory engraving.

Very fine. The pistol retains approximately 70% of the faded original Colt blue finish and shows typical light holster and cold blue touch up on the edges of the slide frame and grip straps. The engraving is deep and sharp and the pistol has a very attractive appearance. There is a narrow, 1 1/4-inch line of deep pitting on the right front edge of the slide that does not detract from the overall appearance of the pistol. The ivory stocks have yellowed slightly from age and have several hair-line age cracks. The steer head on the right stock has some minor handling wear. The overall condition of the stocks is fine. This is a very rare example of a Colt factory engraved Government Model Automatic Pistol with Pre-National Match features with excellent provenance to a senior U.S. Army officer.