This is an outstanding example of an early Colt, large frame, "New Service" revolver that has been meticulously engraved in a heavy scroll and punch dot back ground, finished with a nickel plate finish and fitted with a set of smooth, two-piece mother of pearl grips, that has a factory engraved, presented inscription on the side plate. This pistol is accompanied by a Colt factory letter dated 1991 verifying this exact configuration of the pistol to include the engraving and engraved side plate presentation and identifying this as a "1" gun shipment, shipped to a Capt. G.M. LeHain in June 1923. At that time this pistol was manufactured it was chambered in the 45 LC cartridge, the most powerful cartridge being offered by the Colt factory. The engraving patterns is a beautiful and well executed scroll engraving with no geometric patterns that appears to have been done by William Glahn, along with the well executed engraved inscription on the side plate. The inscription reads: "W.M.E. MARTIN/Malay States/Forest Service". In researching the inscription, the Malay States, also known as the Federated Malay States, were four states established by the British in 1895, which would later serve as one of the constituent groups of the modern nation of Malaysia. During WWII the entire area was a heavy, dense jungle that was invaded by the Japanese and heavily fought for by the British and Americans forces, as it held huge amounts of natural resources such as wood and rubber, both vital for military production prior to and during WWII. The only reference we could find for "W.M.E. Martin" was a reference on a position paper that he wrote on the Forests and Forestry in New Zealand, which later he presented to the British Empire Forestry Conference in London in 1920. So our theory is that while in the service of the British Ministry and sometime after he wrote this first paper, he was probably posted to the unfederated states of Malaysia, prior to WWII to explore and report on the minerals and natural assets of the Malaya States. Interestingly the Malay States/Malaysia is also a large exporter of cocoa and spices, and also interesting is that one of the largest spice importers in the U.S., is the "W.M.E. Martin Company"? Could there be a connection between the inscription and the named company? Only more research could prove that. The top of the barrel has the two-line Colt address and patent dates with the last one ending in 1905. The right side of the barrel is marked "NEW SERVICE 45 COLT". The inside the of the frame and back side of the crane are numbered "318072". The left side plate on the frame is marked with the smaller Colt Rampant Horse trademark, with the noted inscription directly below that. The left front trigger guard bow has the Colt factory "VP" inside a small triangle proof and the butt is fitted with the standard lanyard loop. As noted exquisite pistol is fitted with a beautiful, two-piece set of mother of peal grips with the Colt factory sliver medallions at the top of each grip panels. This beautiful pistol is complete with a original Colt factory presentation case that has the black leatherette cover with a blue felt interior, that holds the pistol and a wooden ammunition block, that holds 50 rounds. The outside lid of the case is marked in gold embossed lettering: "W.M.E. MARTIN". Also accompanying this exceptional revolver is some additional correspondence from the consignor to the U.S.D.A Forestry service inquiring as to the inscription. Certainly a very interesting revolver with the full meaning of the inscription well worth doing some additional research.

Excellent to like new, with 99% of the original nickel plated finish overall with just a hint of a drag line on the cylinder with absolutely no firing residue on the face of the cylinder, indicating it has never been fired. The only notable area is that on the lower rear grip strap is a very small spot of corrosion that started under the grip which has caused a small spot of the nickel plate to flake off. The mother of pearl grips are in excellent condition with no cracks or chips anywhere showing a beautiful aged appearance. The display/storage case is also in excellent condition with no visible wear on the outside of the case with blue interior lining completely intact showing some minor wear/flat spots where the sides of the pistol sat in the case. Just a magnificent example of a beautiful Colt Factory engraved, Presentation revolver, with history still yet to be discovered!