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Coltautos.com Gun of the Month - July 2006
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 Colt ACE .22 LR serial number 7103 (manufactured in 1936 and shipped December 28, 1936) - Blue finish with mother of pearl grips and factory "B" engraved coverage from the shop of Colt master engraver Wilbur Glahn. The mother of pearl grips were not listed in the factory letter. This pistol was a single gun shipment to Chas Koehler of Saginaw, Michigan on December 28, 1936. It was processed on Colt Factory Order number 17324. Engraving style is similar to Wilbur Glahn engraved Colt National Match serial number C163995 which is pictured on Volume II, page 599 of the Book of Colt Engraving. It also shares similar engraving style characteristics with Colt Government Model, serial number C147731, pictured on page 603 of the same book. The total ACE production was limited to just under 11,000 pistols with just 22 pistols having been factory engraved. In 1936, the cost of the standard blued ACE pistol was $40.75, factory engraving with "B" coverage cost an additional $26.70 and plain factory mother of pearl grips cost an additional $15.00. The factory enhancements brought the original cost of this pistol to $82.45 in 1936.
Colt ACE .22 LR serial number 7103 - left side.
Colt ACE serial number 7103 pictured on "A Century of Achievement," Colt's 1936 centennial catalog.
Colt ACE serial number 7103 pictured on top of "A Century of Achievement," Colt's 1936 Centennial Catalog page with engraving specifications and prices. Prices and descriptions of custom grips are on the opposite page.
Top/right close-up profile of engraving on slide. Notice how the barrel is marked "COLT ACE 22 MATCH" visible through the ejection port.
Three engraved areas on underside of frame from left to right: 1) underside of frame, trigger guard and front grip strap.
Top view of slide showing engraving.
Close-up of serial number and right side engraving on frame and slide.
Left side view of slide markings with engraving.
This Colt ACE has two engraved grip screws that are present in the top position of each grip. The lower grip screws are plain.
Left side view of slab mother of pearl grips. Notice the combination of engraved and plain grip screws.
Rear view of hammer and sight.
Right side view of slab mother of pearl grips. Notice the combination of engraved and plain grip screws.
Engraving on barrel bushing.
Engraving on grip safety. |
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