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  • Auction Catalog #77
  • Lot #1397
Lot #1396
Lot #1398

Lot 1397: Pre-World War II Colt Ace Semi-Automatic Pistol

Documented Pre-World War II Colt Ace Semi-Automatic Pistol, London Armory Shipped Via the Winchester Repeating Arms Company with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 7, 2019

Lot 1397: Pre-World War II Colt Ace Semi-Automatic Pistol

Documented Pre-World War II Colt Ace Semi-Automatic Pistol, London Armory Shipped Via the Winchester Repeating Arms Company with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 7, 2019

Estimated Price: $5,000 - $6,500

Documented Pre-World War II Colt Ace Semi-Automatic Pistol, London Armory Shipped Via the Winchester Repeating Arms Company with Factory Letter

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Ace
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 22 LR
Barrel: 4 7/8 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 1027
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 216
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

According to the included factory letter, this pistol was sent as a single item on September 29, 1937, to the London Armory Company of 31 Bury Street, St. James, London, with the added note of "c/o Winchester Repeating Arms Company/New Haven, Connecticut". Sharing a name with a producer of rifles and revolvers for the Confederacy, the London Armory Company as it existed in 1937 was a distributor for Winchester. The letter doesn't state why Winchester sent the pistol to London; it may have been for their British agents to get an idea what the "other guys" were up to, or for sampling/testing Winchester's ammunition. Blade front and adjustable notch rear sights with the two line address and patent dates on the left side of the slide, "crown/V" proofs on the frame and slide, "V", "GP" and "NP" proofs on the chamber, and "NOT ENGLISH MAKE" on the right side of the frame. Fitted with a short milled trigger, a wide checkered hammer, long grip safety, arched checkered mainspring housing with lanyard stud and a two-tone magazine.

Rating Definition:

Very fine with 95% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish showing some light scratches around the slide stop and on the grip straps, a small amount of spotting and some bright edge wear. The grips are fine with moderate wear on right panel, minor on left, some staining and dings. Mechanically excellent.



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