Lot 195

Pre-WWII Era Colt Government Model Pistol with Factory Letter

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Pre-WWII Era Colt Government Model Pistol with Factory Letter

Estimate: $2,250 - $3,500

Starting Bid: $1,900

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Special Order Pre-World War II Era Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol with Factory Letter The included factory letter lists this pistol's specific date of manufacture as June 29, 1931, and confirms its configuration, with a 5 inch barrel in .45 caliber, blue finish, type of grips not listed, along with the special features of a match barrel, a 1/10" front sight, and a 4 1/2 to 4 3/4 lb. trigger pull, when sold to the Bolles-Brendamour Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, and sent as the only pistol of its type in a shipment to Kruse Hardware Company in Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 10, 1931, under Colt Factory Order #10264/1. Features fixed rounded blade front and squared notch rear sights, the Colt address and patent dates in two line on the left of the slide, the caliber designation followed with a Rampant Colt on the right of the slide, a matching "161/758" serial number behind the firing pin stop, a blued barrel with bright chamber hood marked circle "M.B" on the lug, the model designation and "C" prefix serial number on the right of the frame, "1" over a Colt triangle "VP" factory proof on the left of the trigger guard, and "60" on the right of the trigger guard. Fitted with a short milled and checkered trigger, a checkered slide catch, checkered wide-spur hammer, checkered thumb safety, a checkered arched mainspring housing with lanyard loop, a pair of checkered walnut grips, and an unmarked two-tone blued magazine.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Government

BBL: 5 inch round

Gauge: 45 ACP

Finish: blue

Grips: walnut

Serial NumberC161758

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Fine, retaining 60% original blue finish with some smooth grey and brown patina on the slide and grip straps, limited minor pitting, minor scratches and scuffs, light wear, and mostly clear markings. The grip safety is a refinished replacement. The grips are good with some light scuffs and moderate wear to the well-defined checkering. The hammer drops intermittently when the slide is released, otherwise mechanically functions.

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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