serial #8479, 22 LR, 4 3/4” barrel with a bright excellent bore. This is a very nice example, complete with original box, paperwork and two original magazines. The metal surfaces on this handsome Commercial Model pistol retain about 97% original blue, the loss is due to some very light high edge wear, a bit of muzzle toning and the expected scattered light handling mark here or there from the years, primarily along the frontstrap where a previous shooter was no doubt wearing a ring. The bright polished portion of the barrel remains brilliant showing a bit of light operational wear and there is an extremely light reassembly scratch on the left side of the gun, but it is very unobtrusive and barely breaches the blue. The fully checkered walnut grips rate excellent with perhaps a very minor flake or chip on a couple of the diamonds. The arm has been fitted during the period of use with a very nice set of Micro adjustable sights, the front a serrated target face, the rear with a black square notch. The arm rides in its original one piece hinge-top purple-tone box, serial numbered to the gun on its underside in pencil, it rates about very good with a nice end label and light scuffing on a number of the edges, the front lip of the box’s lid has gone missing. Inside are original onionskin paper, yellow hangtag which gives instructions for adjustment of the Ace adjustable rear sight, the original instruction sheet with parts listing and disassembly instructions, the original test target serial numbered to the gun and the Colt “Shooting Suggestions” pamphlet. The interior lid of the box has a former owners name written in pencil “Walter Clark” from Montpelier Vermont, included is September 1951 dated correspondence from Colts Manufacturing Company to Mr. Clark mentioning that his Ace automatic pistol was shipped in December 1937. Although the gun is not mentioned by serial number, the letter is of course addressed to Mr. Clark, whose name is subsequently on the interior lid of the box. The gun seems to function properly mechanically and the slide is indeed numbered to the frame. A super Ace in a very fine state of condition that has strong investment potential yet still could be enjoyed occasionally at the range. (39710-45) {C&R} (2500/4500)
firearm