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An early factory exhibit board cutaway Colt Model N
serial number 86402. Finished in the "white" with the
second style slide markings and an unusual round top mother
of pearl grip with 1923 style flush medallion. The right
side has been cutaway to expose the internal workings of the
pistol.
Page 444 of The Book of Colt Engraving, Vol. I notes in a
description of a cutaway Single Action Army that it is
"believed originally made for display as part of company's
observation of the Centennial of Samuel Colt's birth, 1914."
In
examining a Colt factory display board, it is noted that the
arms were all cut away on the back to fit flush against the
fabric backing. Barrels were further cut away to avoid
potential problems with crossing borders. Factory ledgers
occasionally state that these cut away pistols are
"condemned" meaning that they were rendered inoperable.
Slide and Frame are each numbered "1" with number "11"
stamped above the trigger guard on the right side. It is
suspected that the "1" were used to match to the slide and
frame and the number "11" is for the location of the gun on
the board.
There are two threaded screw holes in the right side of
the frame (at the opening of the magazine well and above the
trigger) that were used to attach the gun to a Colt Factory
exhibit board.
Close-up of the right side showing the numbers on the slide
and the frame. Notice how barrel is cutaway.
Early style round top mother of pearl grip with later-1923
style flush medallion.
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