Manufactured in 1925, this exceptional Colt Government Model pistol was beautifully factory engraved before leaving the factory. It features about 25% coverage factory floral scroll engraving in flourishes on both sides of the slide, the bottom of the frame and slide, front strap, grip safety, both sides of the frame, slide stop and thumb safety, and the top of the slide. The left side of the slide also has the standard two-line address and patent dates and the right has the caliber marking followed by the Rampant Colt. The right side of the frame is marked "GOVERNMENT MODEL" over the serial number and the trigger guard is marked "1/VP" on the left and "51" on the right. It has been fitted with a pair of grips with each panel inscribed with "THF" and carved with eagles clutching arrows and an olive branch below. The pistol is also fitted with blade and notch sights, wide checkered hammer, long grip safety, short stamped trigger, arched checkered mainspring housing, and a two-tone magazine with "COLT/45.AUTO." marked base. The included factory letter confirms the "initials 'T.F.H.' on both stocks" (no mention of the eagles) and that the pistol was charged to "Presentation Selling Expense" and shipped to Chief of Police Thos. F. Healy on 6 July 1925. The letter also notes that the engraving was not noted in the original factory ledger but that it was listed in the production book with the notation "engraved". The aforementioned remarks in the factory letter eliminated all doubt! Thomas F. Healy became the Chief of Police in the City of New Orleans, Louisiana in 1925, and a year later worked to establish his "100 miles per hour" police force, which involved acquiring five armored motorcycles capable of speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. This was to be able to respond quickly to a wave of hold-ups and burglaries in outlying precincts, as well as responding to the general crime of the prohibition era. Shortly before becoming police chief, Healy, who was then the chief of detectives, was involved in an interesting scandal involving his predecessor, Chief of Police Guy Molony. Molony and a deputy Davidson were accused of staging the robbery of a drug store by forcing a man, at gun point, to rob the establishment, where officers were conveniently waiting behind the counter to arrest him, and for Molony to take credit. Healy and the other four officers previously mentioned were later accused of withholding information regarding these accusations; however, Healy had been part of the investigation into the matter and stated that Davidson had confessed to the crime. The captain of the four officers committed suicide during the investigation, perhaps helping them to be acquitted by admission of his own guilt, and Molony subsequently returned to Honduras were he had previously took part in various armed conflicts. This cleared the way for Healy to be made chief of police shortly after the trial which ended in the spring of 1925, making it likely that this pistol was presented to him shortly after his promotion. In 1928, while Healy was the head of the department, two of "Scarface" Al Capone's brothers were arrested by the department, arrests which were directly ordered by him. The two were later released due to lack of evidence, but Healy ordered the two to leave town or risk further arrest. At the end of 1928, Healy retired. Provenance: The Dr. Robert Azar Collection

Excellent, retains 97% plus of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned slightly on some edges to a smooth grey patina and crisp engraving overall. The grips are also excellent with some scattered light handling marks and crisp carving. Mechanically excellent. An exceptional factory engraved Colt Government Model with interesting history surrounding its original owner!