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Texas Pre-War Colt Automatic Pistols

The Great State of Texas has always been well known as the final destination for some of the finest and most desirable Colt firearms.  From the Walker Colt to the Single Action Army, many famous soldiers, lawmen and outlaws alike have all relied on Colt firearms.

From the early 1900s, Colt Automatic Pistols have also played a part in Texas history.  Presented here are a few Colt pistols that were shipped to Texas as well as one that was shipped to a guy names Tex!

This pistol was carried by Buck Dietze (1904 - 1966) of Karnes City, Texas from 1945 - 1948 when Mr. Dietze was appointed to the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.  He was a brand inspector.

In 1877, 40 Texas cattlemen joined together out of their common interest to end unbridled livestock theft and formed what was to become Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.  Commissioned as Special Rangers by the Texas Department of Public Safety and/or the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, these "field inspectors" assist in recovering stolen livestock and equipment and apprehending the thieves.

Accompanying the pistol is a carved leather holster marked "Buck Steiner, Austin, Tex" which was purchased by Mr. Dietze in 1945.

A factory inscribed Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless in .32 ACP.  This pistol is inscribed "H.G.W. From H.S.B. 1919" on the left side of the frame where the serial number is typically located.  The serial number was relocated to the right side of the frame, above the trigger, to allow for the inscription. Colt factory letter confirms these features and indicates that this pistol was a single gun shipment to H.S. Bettes Hardware Company, Paris, Texas on February 2, 1920.

Close-up of the factory inscription.

Right side showing relocated serial number.

Close-up of relocated serial number.

Colt Model N serial number 385727 with Factory Carved Steer head Ivory Grips.  Carved ivory is the least common type for both the Model N and M.  In 1930, the additional cost for carved ivory grips for the Model N was $15.00 option, making it the most expensive grip option.  This was a very deluxe option considering that the gun alone sold for $16.50, bringing the total price of this pistol to $31.50 before tax.  Of the few known carved mother-of-pearl and ivory grip variations for the pocket hammerless  models, this is the only known pair with the carved image on the left grip.  These grips are in absolutely pristine condition with no cracks or chips whatsoever.  All others in either mother of pearl or ivory have either a steer head or eagle on the right grip.  The right grip on this gun is a standard medallion ivory grip.  This pistol letters blue finish with ivory grips and was a one gun shipment to "Tex Baker" on June 25, 1930.  Tex Baker was a radio personality from the 1930s who performed on WWRL radio in New York City.  The act was called Tex Baker and his Texas Ramblers.

Colt Model N 1908 .25 ACP Pocket Hammerless Pistol sn 397049 - This is one of the guns shipped from Colt's fitted with factory carved mother of pearl grips.  The pistol is in original condition and the grips are perfect with no cracks or chips.  Factory carved mother of pearl grips are an uncommon variation to locate for this particular model of Colt pistol.  Another example of these grips fitted with ruby eyes can be seen on the Colt Model N Special Order Grips Page. Factory letter confirms these features and indicates that the gun was a single gun shipment sold to Harkins Drug Store, Refugio, TX and shipped to Corpus Christi Hardware Company, Corpus Christi, Texas on November 7, 1934.

Factory Silver Plated and Factory Engraved Model N. This special order gun was shipped to Shelton-Payne Arms Co., El Paso, TX in March 1916 in a two gun shipment. Silver plating was the least common of the special finishes for the Model N. Of approximately 410,000 guns produced, there were only 64 factory silver plated .25s, only a handful of which were also factory engraved. This gun is sitting on top of its' original factory presentation case.

1939 Super .38 serial number 32239 - in new condition with original box, instructions and special instructions.  Factory letter indicates that pistol was one of five shipped January 30, 1939 to Zork Hardware Company, El Paso, Texas in a 5 gun shipment.  Letter further indicates that the pistol is "furnished with a new safety device."  The safety device to which the letter refers is the Swartz Safety.  Zork was successor to Krakauer, Moye & Zork, well known Colt dealers as early as about 1895.

Colt Model 1911 serial number 145555.  One of 1000 pistols shipped to San Antonio Arsenal, San Antonio, Texas on April 3, 1917.

Non-factory double casing for Colt Model Ns. These guns are serial numbered 334651 & 334653 and were shipped to Wolf & Klar, Ft. Worth, TX on December 4, 1923. Serial number 334652 was not in the shipment. Both are factory nickel plated with Type III mother-of-pearl grips (square-top with recessed medallions).

A uniquely engraved set featuring an late 1946 production Government Model, Serial Number C220405 that is fully engraved with matching engraved .22 caliber Conversion Unit.  Both the pistol and conversion unit are nickel plated.  The grips are also fully engraved and feature a steer head on the right and saddle on the left.  Both items are cased in a Colt factory casing.  These cases are fairly uncommon and were used to case the Government Model with .22 caliber conversion unit, as well as the Service Model Ace with .45 caliber conversion unit.  This pistol was one of 30 shipped December 17, 1946 with a blued finish to J.S. Oshman Company, 520 Preston Avenue, 4th Floor, Hampshaw Building, Houston, Texas.  Letter further indicates a Special Notation:  30 Conversion Units were also included in this shipment.

Rich DiFlorio Collection

Colt Ace serial number 1711  - Early  Ace pistol, blue finish, shipped to Max Cook, Wolf and Klar, Fort Worth, Texas on August 22, 1931 in a three gun shipment.

Mike Faires Collection

Colt .38 Super sn 44602 - shipped August 22,1947 to Peden Iron & Steel Company, Houston, Texas in a 50 gun shipment.