Manufactured in 1939 and featuring an extremely rare Colt factory "B" engraving with a matching factory engraved .45/22 conversion unit. Experts believe that out of the 13,803 Service Model Ace pistols manufactured by Colt between 1935 and 1945 only eight were factory engraved. The .45/22 conversion is its own rarity. An estimated 112 conversion units were manufactured by Colt, and, out of the 112, only three units were factory engraved. Each conversion unit was numbered with a "U" prefix serial number that was stamped on top of the slide ahead of the rear sight. These units were numbered U1-U112. The three engraved units were nos. U4, U5, and U6 (see R.L. Wilson's "Colt Engraving," page 417). The serial number on the unit offered here is no. U4. The set has all the appearance of just being released from the factory. This is certainly a great rarity in Colt collecting and would by a worthy addition to the finest public or private collection! It is the only factory engraved Colt Service Model Ace and .45/22 conversion unit set known to us. This unbelievable set is well-documented. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 5 inch barrel in .22 caliber, blue finish, pearl grips, and grade "B" engraving. The letter states that the pistol shipped on loan account to Abercrombie & Fitch of New York City on November 10, 1938. This was a single gun shipment. The letter also confirms that grade "B" engraved Colt .45/22 conversion unit no. U4 was also shipped on loan account to Abercrombie & Fitch of New York City on November 10, 1938. Although the case is not listed in the factory letter, it is certainly factory. A similar case with additional latch locks is pictured in R.L. Wilson's "Colt: An American Legend" on page 241. Shortly after this set was shipped from the factory it was purchased by World War II veteran USAF Brigadier General John Richardson who owned the set for 50 years until he sold it in November 1989. As General Richardson stated in his accompanying letter of provenance (copy): "Please be advised that I purchased the cased .45/22 Conversion Unit, SM699, 'B' engraved, Pearl Handles from Abercrombie & Fitch Co., New York City about 1939. I had the weapon with me overseas (8th & 15 Air Forces) from early 1942 until late 1944 (almost 3 years overseas). However, it was not fired nor carried in a holster. Over the years, I took good care of this cased set. About 1960 (while living in Greensboro, NC), I refinished the original case so it would look bright and new on the outside." In a second letter of provenance (copy) it is explained that Michael McHugh, with the exception for the brokering dealer, became the second owner of the set after General Richardson. McHugh owned the set for over 20 years, displayed it at Colt Collectors Association shows in Burlingame and Portland and sold it our consignor in 2007. The set is pictured on page 230 of "Colt and Its Collectors," the catalog for the exhibit "Colt: The Legacy of a Legend" at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Cody, Wyoming, which opened on May 16, 2003. This exhibit was the most historically significant display of Colt firearms in the last 100 years. This set was well deserving to be part of the exhibition. Although the factory does not list the Colt factory engraver, the engraving is attributed to William H. Gough. During this period Colt frequently sent guns to Gough for engraving, and the guns would be sent back to the Colt factory for finishing. Gough's engraving style is very similar to Wilbur Glahn's. The grade "B" engraving consists of fantastic floral scrollwork on punch dot background. The left side of the slide is marked with the standard two-line address and patent dates followed by the Rampant Colt, and the right side has the standard Service Model Ace and caliber markings. The right side of the frame has the serial number with "SM" prefix. The left side of the trigger guard has the Colt factory triangle proof. The blued barrel as a polished chamber hood. It is fitted with blade front and adjustable notch rear sights, checkered arched mainspring housing, wide checkered hammer, factory pearl grips, and a two tone magazine marked "COLT/ACE/22 L.R." on the base. The .45/22 conversion unit is complete, and the slide is factory grade "B" engraved and has the serial number "U4" located ahead of the rear sight. As stated, the pistol and conversion unit are housed in a factory case. Provenance: Brigadier General John Richardson; The Michael McHugh Collection; Buffalo Bill Historical Center exhibit "Colt: The Legacy of a Legend"; Property of a Gentleman