This is an extraordinary example of a Colt Pre-Woodsman pistol with factory engraving documented as executed by William H. Gough. The included Colt factory letter states that it was shipped to Von Lengerke and Antoine in Chicago, Illinois, on September 27, 1923, and confirms blue finish and factory engraving. The engraver's name is listed as "William H. Gough" (this is an almost never seen notation in factory letters documenting the engraver). William Gough's shop was located in Utica, New York and Colt frequently sent guns there for engraving and returned them to Hartford for finishing. Gough's engraving style was very similar to that of Wilbur Glahn. The frame, slide, trigger guard and back strap are engraved with scroll and leaf motifs on a lined background. A bull's-eye is engraved on the rear of the frame immediately below the slide. The top and muzzle of the barrel are engraved with the same scroll and leaf designs as the side and frame. The top of the barrel has the two-line address/patent information in a panel formed by scrollwork. The two-line caliber marking is located on the left side of the slide in a lined scrollwork panel. The Rampant Colt trademark is in a lined panel on the left side of the slide behind the grip serrations. A hand checkered oval panel is located on the back of the grip strap. The stocks are fully checkered with small diamonds surrounding the brass screw escutcheons. The front sight blade is adjustable for elevation, and the rear sight is adjustable for windage. The pistol has a two-tone magazine marked "CAL. 22/COLT" on the floor plate. The consignor reports that this fine factory engraved pistol has been on display at several gun shows over the years and that it was at one time a display gun for Colt. The royal blue cardboard factory carton has a white "ENGRAVED" label on the end of the lid. The carton is complete with a wire cleaning brush in paper sleeve, a non matching added test target numbered "85654", a "SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS" pamphlet, and a red instruction booklet. There is no serial number on the carton.

Excellent plus. The pistol retains at least 99% bright original blue finish with some extremely minor edge wear on the muzzle. The engraving is crisp, and the markings are sharp. The stocks are excellent with minimal handling wear. The carton is fair; both of the end labels are complete. The carton has moderate wear with a 1/2-inch chip missing from the corner of the lid. This is an exceptional exhibition quality factory engraved Colt Pre-Woodsman pistol with carton and accessories. It would be difficult to find a better example of a factory engraved Colt Pre-Woodsman pistol. This is as good as they come!