 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 Koehlar (Charles 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. |
