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The first factory engraved and gold inlaid Colt Model
1908 Vest Pocket .25 ACP Serial Number 9918 – Factory “master” engraved,
featuring 17 gold inlays and relief carved monogrammed
mother-of-pearl grips bearing the monogram “JAB”. This is
the first of only seven gold inlaid Model N pistols
produced and these are the first monogrammed grips to
appear on a Model N pistol. Additionally, it is one of only
two factory engraved and gold inlaid Model Ns recorded in
Colt’s shipping ledgers.
This pistol was a product of the Cuno Helfricht shop with the grip monogram attributable to
Cuno Helfricht. Perhaps the most unique aspect of engraving
on this pistol is that when the work was performed, no
pre-defined styles of engraving existed for the Model N.
It was a one gun shipment to Birmingham Arms Company,
Birmingham, Alabama on May 14, 1909 for J.A. Blount.
One
of the three guns featured on the cover of the Rampant
Colt magazine,
Winter 2001.
The hand written entry from the Colt Special Order Ledgers
shows the entry for "May 4, 1909, 4058, 1 25/c Colt Aut.
Pistol. Engr #1 1/4, Gold inlaid #5. Pearl with monogram
J.A.B. carved right side 5 5/12. Promised by May 15th."
The Colt historical letter indicated that Colt Model 1908
Hammerless Automatic Pistol serial number 9918, .25/c, blue,
pearl and factory engraved and gold inlaid and the initials
J.A.B. on one side of the pistol, was shipped to Birmingham
Arms Company, Birmingham, Alabama, For: J.A. Blount, May 14,
1909 in a one gunshipment. |
