This magnificent Colt 1911 Government Model pistol was specially produced by the Colt Custom Shop as a "one of a kind" to be auctioned at the Colt Collector's Association Seventh Annual All Colt Gun Show fund raiser, which was held at the Marriott Hotel in Farmington, Ct. on October 4, 1986. The pistol is accompanied by a two page Colt factory letter describing the embellishments and later enhancements by the successful bidder. The pistol features Type "B" scroll engraving in "Henshaw" style on the forward lower receiver and trigger guard, "Nimschke" style on the left side of the slide, "Helfricht" style on both sides of the receiver and "Contemporary" style on the right side of the slide. The 150th Anniversary Rampant Colt logo is line cut engraved on the left side of the slide, the front strap is line cut engraved "Colt Engraving Sampler" in script style and the serial number "CCA1986" is engraved on the right side of the frame. The engraving was done by Colt Master Engraver George Spring. At the time of sale the pistol was fitted with smooth ivory grips with the left panel scrimshawed "R. Henshaw 1831, L. Nimschke 1850-1900, C. Helfricht 1871-1921, Contemporary". The pistol originally came with a walnut French fitted case designed to accommodate the pistol, a Colt 150th Anniversary Cloisonne medallion and an extra pair of grips, which is included with the pistol. The successful bidder (David Buehn) commissioned the Colt Custom Shop to enhance the piece by adding a .22 caliber nickel plated conversion unit with the slide engraved to match the pistol slide, engraving to be done in the four sample styles and done by Master Engraver George Spring, an additional pair of pearl grips carved on the right side with the Colt 150th Anniversary Logo and on the left side the initials "DLB" (these grips are presently on the pistol). There is also a pair of the diamond checkered walnut grips that were standard for the model. An additional presentation case was also requested with French fitted interior to accommodate the pistol, conversion unit, two extra pair of grips and two extra magazines (one 45 caliber, the other 22 caliber). The case was to be French fitted with a brass presentation plaque in the lid featuring the Anniversary 150th Logo in the center and engraved by Master Engraver George Spring with the four sampler styles at each corner. The pistol is currently in the additional custom case Mr. Buehn ordered with the extra wood and ivory grips, conversion unit, extra nickel 45 caliber magazine with lanyard ring on the bottom and nickel 22 caliber magazine. The addition embellishments were processed on Colt Repair Order Number 219661C/ Colt Custom Shop Order Number 2994-2. All of the aforementioned information is verified on the two page Colt Factory letter, including the serial number, caliber, 5 inch barrel and nickel finish. Also accompanying the pistol is a copy of the work order request for Mr. Buehn requesting the conversion unit with slide to be engraved by Master Engraver George Spring in the four sampler patterns to match the pistol, the walnut presentation case to hold the pistol, two extra magazines, two extra pair of grips, ( the pearl and wooden), gun to face to the right, extra nickel magazine with lanyard ring, French fitted plaque in the lid and the pearl grips with the 150th logo on the right side and the initials "DLB" on the right side. In addition to the two walnut presentation cases, the pistol comes with the original Colt box for the conversion unit with Custom Shop end label marked "Custom Engraved Conversion Unit Series '70, .22 Caliber, Nickel, for 1986 Colt Collectors Association Auction Gun" and a plain two piece cardboard box for each case.

Excellent. The pistol retains 99% plus of the original nickel finish with some speckled flaking on the right side of the slide and scattered "frosting" of the finish. The engraving remains crisp. The conversion slide is excellent with 99% plus original finish with some speckled flaking on the right side, a few light scratches and some "frosting" on the left side. The ivory and pearl grips are excellent with the ivory grips beginning to take on an attractive light aged patina, and the walnut grips are as new. Both cases are excellent with a few minor dings and handling marks on the exterior of the currently used case and the original case is in new condition. A rare opportunity to own this magnificent factory Master Engraved, one of a kind, full factory documented Colt 1911 Government Model pistol.