This is a William Gough factory engraved Pre-Woodsman pistol that was manufactured in 1917 and features the "pencil thin" barrel found on this model until approximately serial number 31,000. William Gough's shop was located in Utica, New York and Colt frequently sent guns to him for engraving and would be sent back to the Colt factory for finishing. Gough's engraving style is very similar to Wilbur Gahn's. This pistol has a floral scroll engraving with a matte background on the rear sides and muzzle end of the barrel, the sides and top of the frame and slide, with a checkered back strap, and a zigzag design bordering the front strap, trigger guard and front underside of the frame. The back of the frame is engraved with the distinctive Gough's bullseye. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address/1903 patent date with a decorative design extending toward the muzzle. The left side of the slide is marked "COLT AUTOMATIC/CAL. 22 LONG RIFLE", the Rampant Colt is behind the serrations, and the serial number is marked on the front strap. The back strap has the oval checkered panel showing the pistol was designed for standard velocity ammunition. The front sight is elevation adjustable and the rear sight is adjustable for windage. Two tone Colt marked magazine and fitted with walnut grips with a checkered double diamond pattern. The accompanying factory letter confirms the caliber and barrel length and states that it was shipped in the "green state" (or in the white) to Schoverling, Daly & Gales, New York City for William Gough on February 6, 1917 as part of a three gun shipment. The factory records also state that the grips were furnished for this pistol by Gough and sold to Schoverling, Daly & Gales on February 27, 1917. Also included is an appraisal letter from noted Colt Woodsman author Major Robert Rayburn dated Sept. 25, 1993 stating that "only about 200 Colt Woodsman of all models were factory engraved."

Excellent. The pistol retains 95% plus original blue finish showing extremely minor specks of pitting visible on left side of barrel and muzzle. There are a few very scattered patches of minor pitting. The grips are also excellent showing some minor handling marks with overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.