This is a unique example of a pre-World War II Colt Super Match semi-automatic pistol manufactured in 1935. These .38 Super Match pistols were manufactured concurrently with the standard Colt .38 Supers, except they featured a deluxe, hand honed action and a checkered match trigger with a hand polished super smooth trigger pull. Additionally, they received a highly polished Colt factory blued finish with all checkered grip panels. Approximately 5,000 of these special higher grade target pistols were produced in total. The right side of the matching numbered slide is marked "SUPER MATCH/COLT SUPER .38/AUTOMATIC" followed by the Rampant Colt motif. The opposite side of the slide has Colt's address marking above the patent dates with the added Latin inscription "AD ASTRA PER ASPERA" which translates to "through hardships to the stars". The upper left front of the trigger guard is marked with "X/VP". The right side is marked "60". The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number and inscribed "A. ELGIN HEINZ". This inscription is likely for a teacher/professor from California and an early pioneer in Asian studies in the U.S. education system. Fitted with blade and fixed notch sights, polished chamber, checkered slide lock and thumb safety, arched checkered mainspring housing, smooth grips, and a wide checkered hammer. It is complete with a two-tone magazine marked "COLT SUPER/38 AUTO" on the base plate. Provenance: The Gus Cargile Collection

Fine, retains 70% plus of the original blue finish with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina, primarily on the leading edges of the slide and the grip straps. The period replacement grips are good with some hairline age cracks and an attractive aged color. Mechanically excellent.