Lot 3279

Inscribed Russian Contract Colt Government Model Pistol

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Inscribed Russian Contract Colt Government Model Pistol

Estimate: $5,500 - $8,000

Starting Bid: $4,750

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Very Scarce Documented Russian Contract Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol with Factory Letter Originally ordered in 1916 and 1917, the Russian Contract Colt Government Model pistols were ordered by the Imperial Russian government from Colt through the British government. The included copy of the factory letter confirms the current configuration, grips not listed, as well as shipment to the government of Russia in a 4,000 gun shipment on 7 October 1916. When placing the order, the government of Great Britain acted as an intermediary, using a line of credit established by the Russians and backed by hard gold reserves held in Britain to cover the bill. Britain's role as go-between was the source of the typical marking on the left side of the frame, "ANGL. ZAKAZIE"(translated) for "English Order". The Russian Contract pistols as-issued otherwise bore only standard Colt markings like this example. By 1916, the situation on the Eastern Front was already getting well out of hand for Russia, and in 1917 they went through the February and October Revolutions, which brought about both the fall of the Imperial government and the successor Provisional Government, which led to the rise of the Soviet Union. Additionally, some reports of the final assassination of Tsar Nicholas II and his family put a pair of Colt .45 ACP pistols among the weapons used by the Bolshevik party, in particular one used by Yakov Yurovsky, leader of the squad who is noted as having fired the opening shot directly into the Tsar's chest. Russian Contract Government Model Colts are scarce on the American market in any condition, as they saw hard use through multiple conflicts and virtually none were ever exported by the Soviet Union. The left side of the slide has the two-line, two-block address and patent dates. The right of the slide has the caliber marking, as well as the period added inscription "LARS GUSTAFSON", whose identity remains unknown. The barrel is struck with two markings on the bottom ahead of the lug, one being "P", and has a polished chamber hood. The left side of the frame has the contract marking removed as mentioned and "VP" and "b" on the trigger guard, with the model marking and serial number on the right. It is fitted with the standard blade and notch sights, long smooth trigger, wide checkered hammer, short grip safety, smooth mainspring housing, diamond pattern checkered grips, lanyard loop, and an unmarked two-tone magazine with pinned base.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Government

BBL: 5 inch round

Gauge: 45 ACP

Finish: blue

Grips: walnut

Serial NumberC64578

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Fine, retains 60% plus of the original blue finish with the balance mostly a grey patina, a few scattered patches of light pitting, and some light scratches. The grips are also fine with some light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A rare opportunity to add a Russian contract Colt Government Model to your collection!

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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