Lot 518: Pre-World War II Colt Super Match .38 Pistol

This is an exceptional example of an original pre-World War II Colt Super Match .38 semi-automatic pistol manufactured in 1935. It is estimated that only 3,800 of these Super Match .38 pistols were manufactured from 1934-1947. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration including the adjustable rear sight, with grips not listed, as well as shipment to Bostwick-Braun Co. in Toledo, Ohio for Hormady Hardware Co. in Flint, Michigan on 25 September 1935. These .38 Super Match pistols were manufactured concurrently with the standard Colt .38 Supers, except they featured a deluxe, hand honed action, Stevens adjustable rear sight, checkered match trigger with a hand polished super smooth trigger pull. Additionally, they received a high polished Colt factory blued finish with all checkered walnut grip panels. The right side of the matching serialized 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 markings above the patent dates. The upper left front of the trigger guard is marked with "X/VP". The right side is marked "60". Fitted with a high, wide blade front sight and factory installed adjustable rear sight, polished chamber on the barrel marked "COLT SUPER 38 AUTO MATCH" on the bottom left and circled "MB" on the left of the lug, checkered slide lock, thumb safety, trigger, and arched mainspring housing, the standard Colt wide spur, checkered hammer, and a two-tone "COLT SUPER/38 AUTO." marked magazine. Includes additional correspondence with Colt regarding the pistol and a hardwood Colt marked case that is fitted for the pistol and the included complete .22 conversion kit which comes with a correct box numbered to a different conversion unit and an extra recoil spring and plunger. Provenance: The Dr. Robert Azar Collection

Excellent, retains 90% plus of the original high polish blue finish with some light wear on the front sides of the slide, some scattered light handling marks, and a small takedown mark. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The conversion unit is also excellent with minimal handling evidence. The case is fine with minor wear/handling marks, and the box is good tears and tape repair on the box.