The Pre-Woodsman Model was manufactured from 1915 to 1927 and prior to the "Woodsman" name. This particular pistol was manufactured in 1922 and features the "pencil thin" barrel found on this model until approximately serial number 31,000. This particular pistol was factory engraved by Colt Master Engraver William H. Gough and features floral scroll designs with a matte background with "B" coverage on the barrel, frame sides and top, slide stop lever and slide sides and top. The grip straps, trigger guard and underside of the frame have a simple zigzag border design. It is estimated that fewer than 200 Colt Woodsmans of all models were factory engraved. The pistol is accompanied by a letter dated July 25, 1991 from Major Robert J. Rayburn giving a brief history of the Woodsman, its condition at that time and its provenance. The letter states that this pistol was once in the R.E. Hable collection (among others) and is pictured in the book "Colt Pistols" by R.L. Wilson and R.E. Hable. The left side of the slide is marked "COLT AUTOMATIC/CAL..22 LONG RIFLE" followed by the Rampant Colt and the front strap is marked with the serial number. The barrel is absent of the Colt address. The front sight is elevation adjustable and the rear sight is adjustable for windage. The pistol has the correct checkered oval on the mainspring housing which is characteristic of the Pre-Woodsman Models indicating the pistol was designed for standard velocity ammunition. Two tone 10 round magazine marked "CAL.22/COLT" on the bottom and is fitted with checkered walnut grips with a diamond pattern around the screws. The accompanying factory letter verifies the caliber, barrel length, blue finish, factory engraved by Colt Master Engraver W.H. Gough, with the grips as "Not Listed" and that it was shipped as 1 of 2 to Murta Appleton Company in Philadelphia on April 27, 1922. The remarks on the letter state that the pistol was delivered to Colt Master Engraver W.H. Gough on March 20, 1922, engraved by him, returned to the Colt factory and shipped to Murta Appleton Company.

Excellent. The pistol retains 98% original blue finish with a few scattered extremely minor surface rust specks and nicks overall. The grips are also excellent with a few minor bruises in the otherwise sharp checkering. The engraving and markings remain crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent. A superb example of an extremely rare factory engraved Colt Pre-Woodsman pistol done by Colt Master Engraver William H. Gough.