Lot 1225

Serial "5" Factory Prototype Colt Camp Perry Single Shot Pistol

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Serial "5" Factory Prototype Colt Camp Perry Single Shot Pistol

Estimate: $4,500 - $7,000

Starting Bid: $4,000

(0 Bids)

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

Highly Desirable Pre-Production Factory Prototype Serial Number "5" Colt Camp Perry Single Shot Single Action Pistol with Factory Letter Manufactured in 1923, this is an exceptional and extremely scarce example of a Colt factory prototype Camp Perry Model single shot target pistol, bearing the extremely early prototype serial number "5". In "The Book of Colt Firearms" it is noted that the experimental prototypes of this model were numbered 1-63, while the standard production later started at serial number 101. In that same book on p. 367, a different pistol is pictured and noted as bearing serial number 5, indicating that the factory was quite possibly producing duplicate serial numbers for these prototypes. It is also possible that this particular pistol was numbered in a different serial number series intended for presentation to prominent figures as it appears closer in configuration to standard production than the other serial number 5 pistol. Only approximately 2,488 were produced in total during standard production from 1926 to 1940, making them quite scarce on today’s collector market. This particular example, just like the previously mentioned other serial number 5, does not bear the typical Camp Perry model marking like the later standard production versions do. 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 the iconic competition ranges at Camp Perry, which in turn was named after the legendary American Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. These pistols were highly regarded for competition target shooting and are known to have won many trophies at the National Matches. The included factory letter lists serial number 5 pistol as having shipped to Robt. T. Hurley on 30 July 1923, three years before the Camp Perry Model was officially offered to the public. It is unclear if the pistol shipped to Hurley was this example or the other example previously mentioned. In period newspapers from Connecticut, Robert T. Hurley is primarily listed as the superintendent of the Connecticut State Police. He is also listed as having essentially created the state police shooting team as well as having been a competitor on the team himself, making him an ideal recipient for a competition pistol such as this. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address and patent dates ending with 1905, while the caliber marking is on the left. The serial number "5" is marked on the left of the grip frame and on the crane. The Rampant Colt is on the left of the frame. The inside of the right grip panel is numbered "515581", quite possibly the serial number of the Officer's Model revolver that was modified to produce this prototype. It is fitted with an adjustable blade front sight, adjustable notch rear sight, and a pair of replacement checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Camp Perry

BBL: 8 1/4 inch round

Gauge: 22 Long Rifle

Finish: blue

Grips: walnut

Serial Number5

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection
  • Condition: Very fine as a rare factory prototype, retaining 80% of the original blue finish with the balance mostly grey patina, primarily on the grip straps and some edges. The grips are also very fine with a few scattered light handling marks and crisp checkering. 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