Lot 1222

Desirable First Year Production Colt Government Model Pistol

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Desirable First Year Production Colt Government Model Pistol

Estimate: $11,000 - $16,000

Starting Bid: $9,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Desirable First Year Production Three-Digit Serial Number "C327" Tucson, Arizona, Shipped Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol with Factory Letter According to the included factory letter, this pistol was part of a 4-piece shipment to Smith Sporting Goods Company of Tucson, Arizona, on September 4, 1912. Per tradition, the grips are "Not Listed", though the other major features are verified, with the manufacture date of July 11, 1912. At the time, the Government Model represented a cutting edge piece of technology, the state of the art in large bore handguns, sought out by private citizens, police, and military men, the latter both via private purchases and overseas military contracts. Right up to the current day, John Browning's design remains a yardstick by which handguns are measured and holds a reputation as a weapon sought out by "elite" shooters. The slide bears the two-line, two-block address and patent markings on the left side ahead of the circled Rampant Colt, with the caliber markings on the reverse, "VP" and "K" on the trigger guard, and "GOVERNMENT MODEL" on the right side of the frame. An early pattern round top rear sight is fitted, along with a set of sharply niter blued controls, with a smooth long trigger, wide hammer, checkered slide catch and thumb safety. A short grip safety is present, with a lanyard loop on the flat mainspring housing, a two-toned pinned base magazine with niter blue follower and early "keyhole" pattern spine, and an unmarked blued barrel.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Government

BBL: 5 inch round

Gauge: 45 ACP

Finish: blue

Grips: walnut

Serial NumberC327

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Extremely fine, with 80% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish, showing bright holster wear along the edges and slide, especially the left side, a gray patina concentrated on the mainspring housing, and light handling scratches, dings and takedown lines. The top of the front sight has been flattened and is a period gunsmith-quality modification to adjust the point of aim. The small parts retain 85% plus very bright original niter blue, with most of the wear confined to the high edges and the trigger face. The refinished grips are very good, with some minor chips around the screws and light pressure dents. Mechanically excellent.

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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