Manufactured in 1939, almost all of the Colt Service Model Ace production was purchased by the U.S. government for training purposes during World War II. This rare example appears to have made its way onto the commercial market just prior to the outbreak of World War II, as it lacks the typically seen government property and inspection markings. The left of the slide has the standard two-line address followed by the Rampant Colt, and the right has the standard Service Model Ace and caliber markings. The "SM" prefixed serial number is on the right of the frame with "99 on the right of the trigger guard. The left of the trigger guard is marked "P/VP". It is fitted with blade front and adjustable notch rear sights, checkered short trigger, checkered slide release and thumb safety, checkered wide hammer, long grip safety, arched checkered mainspring housing, checkered grips, and a two-tone magazine with Colt Ace markings on the base. Provenance: The Mel Raucher Collection

Extremely fine, retains 90% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina, most noticeably on the forward sides of the slide. The grips are excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.