This is a very early Colt Service Model Ace 22LR pistol manufactured in 1937, the third year of production, (only 50 were produced in the previous 2 years). These early issue pistols are very rarely found as most saw extensive use. These pistols were developed in the late 1930s to duplicate the weight, feel and recoil of the Model 1911A1 pistol while firing the economical 22LR cartridge. The left side of the slide is marked with the Colt two line address/1897-1913 patent dates followed by the Rampant Colt. The right side of the slide is marked "COLT/SERVICE ACE (inside the a diamond) 22 LONG/RIFLE/MODEL" The right side of the frame is marked "SM224". It is fitted with the early screw adjustable rear sight and the magazine is marked "COLT/22 ACE L.R./SERVICE MODEL" on the bottom. It has the checkered arched main spring housing and early Colt wide checkered hammer and fitted with checkered walnut grips. The accompanying factory letter verifies the serial number, caliber, barrel length, blue finish with grips as "Not Listed" and that it was shipped as 1 of 155 to the United States Government, Springfield Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts on July 20, 1937.

Excellent. The pistol retains 90% original blue finish with some flaking and wear on the front strap, high edge wear and a few minor dings. The grips are also excellent with a few minor handling marks, some light wear and sharp checkering. The markings are crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent. A very nice early Colt Service Model Ace pistol rarely found in this fine condition.