"COLT ACE SEMI-AUTO PISTOL. SN 8594. Cal. 22 LR. Scarce pre-war Ace with rare 4-7/8" orig bbl with solid chamber, marked on bottom "COLT ACE 22 MATCH". Slide has usual commercial markings on both sides with rampant Colt at left rear & has fixed Ace front sight with orig adjustable rear sight. Right side of frame has the serial number & is engraved "147TH. INFANTRY". It has checkered arched mainspring housing with full checkered walnut grips & is accompanied by an orig 2-tone magazine with orig markings on base plate. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter fully identifying this pistol, as found, with type of stocks not listed & factory inscribed "147th Infantry". It was shipped on Dec. 6, 1937 to Ed Brandemoor of Cincinnati, OH in a shipment of ten same type arms. The 147th Infantry is an old & storied unit that dates to the Civil War having been organized during the Civil War & mustered out afterward. They were federalized again for the Spanish/American War, again for WWI & were demobilized after WWI until WWII. Apparently during this time in between wars they were still an active National Guard Unit and purchased this pistol for use in training purposes. CONDITION: Very fine. Slide retains 93-95% glossy orig blue, strong in sheltered areas & over top, thinning toward the sides with light muzzle edge wear. Frame retains strong orig blue on sides & bottom front with a gray front strap & thin grip safety. Grips are sound showing moderate to heavy wear with a few chipped diamonds & dark oil stain. Magazine is extremely fine. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 4-37243 JR405 (4,500-6,500)"
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