Page 308 - Auction84-Book1

LOT 514
Engraved Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol with
Attractive Gold Accented Steer Head Pearl Grips - Serial no. C116234, 45 ACP
cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, pearl grips. Manufactured in 1919, this pistol was subsequently engraved with flourishes of floral
scroll and border engraving in a similar style to lower grade factory patterns. The left of the slide has the
standard two-line address and patent dates while the right has the caliber marking and Rampant Colt, both surrounded by border and scroll engraving, while the top of the slide has wing shaped flourishes of scroll. The right of the frame has
the standard Government Model marking over the serial number and the trigger guard is marked “W/VP” on the left and
“82” on the right. The frame is also embellished with similar flourishes of floral scroll engraving. The barrel has a polished
chamber and is marked “P” on the bottom. The pistol is fitted with blade and notch sights, wide checkered hammer, short grip
safety, long smooth trigger, smooth flat mainspring housing with a lanyard loop, unmarked slightly ill-fitting full blue magazine, and a pair of highly desirable pearl grips, with the right featuring a carved steer head with gold accented horns and nose ring, and ruby-like eyes.
CONDITION: Fine, retains most of the period refinished blue with the balance having thinned to a mottled grey-brown patina, primarily on edges and the top of the slide, some scattered light patches of plum oxidation, and mostly crisp engraving. The grips are also fine with a few scattered minor chips, mostly around the screw holes, and crisp carving. Apart from the tight fitting magazine, mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Gus Cargile Collection.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
306
LOT 515
Rare Documented Mexican Contract
Colt Government Model Semi- Automatic Pistol with Silver Grips
and Factory Letter - Serial no. C145890,
45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., chrome/
gold finish, silver grips. Manufactured in
1926 as one of approximately 5,400 Colt
Government Model pistols ordered by the Mexican government it was subsequently nickel
plated with gold small parts. The included factory letter confirms the serial number, caliber,
barrel length, and contract marking on the slide, as well as shipment to Arms and Metal
Products Co. for Sec. De Guerra Y Marina on 15 January 1926 in a shipment of 500 guns. The
left side of the slide has the standard two-line address and patent markings while the right has
the caliber marking and desirable Mexican contract marking, “EJERCITO MEXICANO”. The right of
the frame has the Government Model marking over the serial number and the trigger guard is marked with “1/VP” on the left and “51” on the right. It is fitted with blade and notch sights, wide checkered hammer, short stamped trigger, arched checkered mainspring housing with lanyard loop removed,
a pair of sterling silver grips mounted with Mexican eagles, Maya calendars, and initial plates marked “A.L.J.”, and an unmarked nickeled magazine. CONDITION: Very good, retains most of the period chrome plating on the frame and slide and an equal amount on the gold plated small parts, with some thinning on the leading edges showing a smooth grey patina and some scattered light flaking. The grips are very fine showing an attractive patina and crisp engraving. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Gus Cargile Collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500