Lot 146

Factory Engraved Colt Camp Perry Model Single Shot Pistol

Previous image preload Next image preload

Factory Engraved Colt Camp Perry Model Single Shot Pistol

Estimate: $45,000 - $70,000

Starting Bid: $40,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Outstanding and Extremely Scarce, One of Only Two, Wilbur Glahn Factory Engraved Colt Camp Perry Model Single Shot Single Action Pistol with Original Box and Factory Letter This is a stunning and extremely scarce example of a documented factory engraved Colt Camp Perry Model pistol, a model that bears the name of the most hallowed ground in the history of American competitive target shooting. In 1898, during the course of the Spanish-American War, it became obvious to U.S. government officials that America's marksmanship skills needed improving, particularly among the state militias which became the National Guard. In 1903, a congressional act provided funding to remedy this issue, allocating funds for the establishment of marksmanship instruction camps and practice rifle matches. A couple years later, General Ammon B. Critchfield, Adjutant General for the State of Ohio, while duck hunting along the shores of Lake Erie located a perfect spot for a range in Ohio which directed fire towards the shoreline and utilized ideal natural light. The following year, the State of Ohio allocated funds to purchase 300 acres of land at the site, and by the following summer the site boasted 200, 600, and 800 yard ranges with parapets and targets. The range hosted the National Rifle Matches in the fall. In the spring of 1908, the Ohio legislature officially named the site Camp Perry after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry who heroically defeated the British fleet at the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813, securing American control of the lake for the remainder of the War of 1812. Prior to the battle, Perry is known to have instructed the captains under his command with the simple phrase, "Commanding officers are particularly enjoined to pay attention in preserving their stations in the Line, and in all cases to keep as near the Lawrence as possible. Engage your designated adversary, in close action, at half cable's length." During the course of the battle, Perry himself is known for taking his flagship USS Lawrence into the thickest of the fighting until she was rendered combat ineffective due to damage and casualties. Realizing the Lawrence could no longer continue the fight, Perry took his signature pennant bearing the bold motto "DONT GIVE UP THE SHIP" into one of the ship's undamaged boats and was rowed through intense gunfire to USS Niagara, continuing to lead the American fleet to a pivotal victory. After the battle was won, Perry sent a message to General William Henry Harrison which read in part, "We have met the enemy and they are ours." By 1909, Camp Perry had evolved into a permanent camp, including a large mess hall along with the best equipped shooting ranges in the United States and arguably the world. The site boasted four ranges, all of which could be operated simultaneously, providing 210 rifle targets and 20 revolver targets. During World War I, the camp was used for training officers and marksmanship instructors, and the Erie Ordnance Depot near Camp Perry was utilized for weapons testing and development. Upgrades at the site continued through the 1920s and 1930s, including eighteen more mess halls, an airfield, a commercial center, a theater, and a post headquarters building. During World War II, the site was utilized as both a reception center for new recruits as well as a prisoner of war camp, housing German and Italian prisoners. Since 1907, the National Matches, often considered the "World Series" of American shooting sports, have been held at Camp Perry. Every summer, the National Matches gather the finest military and civilian marksmen and women this country has to offer for five weeks of spirited competition between approximately 4,500 annual participants in various marksmanship disciplines. During the course of the National Matches, 38 different national rifle competition trophies and 26 different national pistol trophies are awarded. The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), which was started in 1903, is heavily involved in the running of these matches and has maintained headquarters at Camp Perry for many years. The program remains strong to this day as a strong foundation of American marksmanship, with the program's mission statement being to "Promote excellence in marksmanship, firearms safety and youth programs made possible by the secure restoration and sale of historic American firearms." Colt's Camp Perry Model single shot target pistol was created by modifying the design of the Officer's Model revolver frame to accept a special flat-side single-shot "cylinder". Colt named this model after Camp Perry, which in turn was named after the legendary American Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, deeply connecting these unique competition pistols with American history. These pistols were highly regarded for competition target shooting and are known to have won many trophies at the National Matches. Only approximately 2,488 were produced in total, making them quite scarce on today’s collector market, even in standard configuration. The included factory letter lists this example in .22 caliber with a 10 inch barrel, blue finish, grips not listed, factory Class B engraved, and furnished with a 2 1/2 pound trigger pull when shipped to H&D Folsom Arms Co. in New York on 12 July 1933 in order no. 12391/1 as the only gun of its type in the shipment. According to "The Book of Colt Firearms" by Wilson, only two Camp Perry Model pistols are recorded in the factory ledgers as having been factory engraved, and both are believed to have been the work of factory Master Engraver Wilbur Glahn. The same book lists this pistol by serial number as being one of the two factory engraved examples, and the other is listed as serial number 1545. In "The Colt Engraving Book Vol. II", Wilson notes that from around 1919 until the spring of 1950, Glahn handled the bulk of Colt's engraving work while also continuing various other private engraving and artistic projects on the side until his death in 1951. This particular pistol is a magnificent example of Glahn's talent and stands as a true time capsule of his work. The pistol itself shows approximately three-quarter coverage, beautifully executed, elegant, vine-like floral scrollwork on a stippled background, some geometric patterns, and decorative borders, all very much in the style of other work attributed to Master Engraver Wilbur Glahn. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address and patent dates, while the caliber marking is on the left. "CAMP PERRY MODEL" is marked on the left side of the "cylinder", and the Rampant Colt trademark is on the left of the frame. A Colt verified proof and "3" are marked on the left of the frame near the trigger guard. The matching serial number is on the left of the grip frame and on the crane. It is fitted with an adjustable blade front sight and adjustable notch rear sight, as well as a pair of checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions. Includes the original box (faintly numbered) with a correct additional end label marked "'ENGRAVED.'"

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Camp Perry

BBL: 10 inch part round

Gauge: 22 LR

Finish: blue

Grips: walnut

Serial Number1636

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Provenance: Ex-George S. Lewis Jr. Collection
  • Condition: Excellent plus with 98% plus of the original blue finish, extremely light muzzle wear, and very crisp engraving overall. The grips are also excellent plus with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A fleeting opportunity to own one of only two documented factory engraved examples of Colt's Camp Perry Model pistol!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000