Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 1546

Lot 1546:Engraved Gold Inlaid Pre-War Colt Government Pistol

December 4th, 2021|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 1546

Lot 1546:Engraved Gold Inlaid Pre-War Colt Government Pistol

December 4th, 2021|Rock Island, IL
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$14,000 - $22,500
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Magnificent Exhibition Quality Relief Engraved Gold Inlaid Mexico Shipped Pre-War Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol with Factory Letter

The accompanying factory letter states this pistol was part of a 100 gun shipment to Armeria La Proveedora Mexico, D.F., Mexico, on August 7, 1941. Between 1922 and 1941 Mexico procured 5,400 pistols, mostly by the Mexican government. It is believed that this pistol was commissioned by the Government of Mexico as a presentation piece for the Captain of the U.S. Pistol Team in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. The pistol has a blue finish and is fully covered with exhibition quality relief engraving on a stippled background. The pistol features a gold-inlaid Rampant Colt on the right side of the slide and the gold-inlaid initials "MLC" on the grip strap. In addition to the deep chiseled relief scroll engraving and gold inlays, the pistol is relief-carved with: (1) the head and shoulders image of Francisco "Pancho" Villa wearing a sombrero and two cartridge bandoleers located on the top of the slide in front of the ejection port, (2) the Mexican Eagle and Rattlesnake national insignia on the top of the slide ahead of the rear sight, (3) a shooter firing a pistol from the hip at three silhouette targets on the right side of the slide, (4) the five-ring Olympic Games insignia on the underside of the frame in front of the trigger guard and (5) a crown and shield heraldic crest on the grip strap. The original "COLT GOVERNMENT MODEL/C208335" marking on the right side of the frame, "COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE .45" on the right side of the slide and elongated Hartford address with 1897-1913 patent dates are in relief panels surrounded by scrollwork. The slide lock, slide safety, grip safety and magazine floor plate all are covered with scroll engraving. The pistol has the pre-war Schwartz Safety and is fitted with a WWII, "HS" barrel with polished chamber top. The full blued magazine is marked: "COLT/45 AUTO" on the floor plate. The pistol is fitted with smooth grips.

ConditionExceptionally fine as Master engraved and embellished. The pistol retains 99% of the blue finish with only very minor handling marks. The flawlessly executed relief carvings and exhibition grade engraving are crisp and deep. The gold inlays are in perfect condition. The grips have aged but are in excellent condition. This magnificent and one-of-a-kind pistol is one of the most highly embellished Colt Government Model Pistols ever offered for sale by Rock Island Auction Company.
Details
ManufacturerColt
ModelGovernment
TypePistol
Serial number
ClassCurio & Relic Handgun
Caliber / Gauge45 ACP
Barrel5 inch round
Finishblue/gold inlaid
Gripsmooth

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views3498
Catalog page282
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 349A. Griebel Engraved and Gold Inlaid Colt Gov't Model Pistol
View Lot
Lot 352Texas Shipped, Glahn Factory Engraved Colt National Match Pistol
View Lot
Lot 3221Factory Exhibition Grade Colt Model 1889 Revolver
View Lot
Lot 3378Imperial Russian Contract Colt Government Model Pistol
View Lot
Show More