This is an excellent, benchmark quality example of a Colt Officers Model DA Target revolver manufactured in 1936 and shipped to Von Lengerke and Antoine, Chicago Ill., in Dec 1936 as a special order one gun shipment. This exceptional revolver has been beautifully engraved by Colt Master Engraver Wilbur Glahn with a pattern that covers 50% or a B coverage of the metal surfaces. If you were a top pistol shooter and could afford to own one exceptionally accurate revolver, you would usually choose a Colt Officer Model. Factory engraved examples were usually only reserved for the very rich and/or elite among the top pistol shots in the shooting fraternity. These pistols were beautifully hand built to exacting accuracy requirements and were the best target pistols at this time. They had flat top target type frames, adjustable front and rear sights, checkered triggers and back straps, and super smooth, hand honed, double and single action trigger pulls. Wilbur Glahn was very active from 1920-1950 and was a well-known and favored engraver of Colt pistols. There are several pistols that exhibit this almost same exact style of engraving on pages 309-313 of "The Book Of Colt engraving". His style of engraving was quite different from many of the previous Colt engravers, having a double line border around the major areas of the frame, cylinder flutes and factory markings, a wide open scroll engraving with a heavy punch-dot background that usually was used to frame the engraved scrolls, and some very non-formal zig-zag type geometric patterns. The metal surfaces have the original Colt high polish blue finish and a matte finish on the top strap and rear grip strap. It is fitted with a set of standard checkered walnut grips with the Colt silver medallions. The Colt factory letter verifies this pistol configuration as class B factory engraved and as a "1" gun shipment. The factory letter further indicates that this revolver was purchased by Von Lengerke and Antoine on January 1938. This rare revolver is also accompanied by the "original" maroon shipping box. The matching serial number of this revolver is written in pencil on the underside of the box, and the end label specifically lists the various features of this exact pistol; Officers Model revolver .22, Patridge sights, wood and blue, "B Engraving", along with a "VL&A/Chicago" inventory label. The box includes the Colt factory Special Instruction sheet.

Near new in original box with 99% plus of the original blue finish overall, just a hint of a cylinder drag line, and a small area of wear on the toe. The front of the cylinder shows no firing residue indicating that this pistol has not been fired and only lightly handled. The walnut grips are also excellent with nice distinct checkering on both sides. The box is very fine with the corners of the box still solid, a full factory label still on the end, and only wear and scuffing on the edges and corners of the lid. Impossible to improve upon in every investment class category, a fleeting opportunity to own a "best of the best".