1st Series Colt Woodsman Match Target ‘Bulls Eye’ Target Pistol Elephant Ear Grips, Box & Paperwork, MFD 1940 C&R

SOLD FOR: $4,465
LSB#:
150708EB70
Make: Colt
Model: 1st Series, Match Target Woodsman, “Bulls Eye”
Serial Number: MT8692
Year of Manufacture: 1940
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the frame is marked “MATCH” / a ‘bullseye’ logo / “TARGET” and “THE WOODSMAN”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “T” / a Triangle “VP” proof. The left side of the slide is marked “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / CAL .22 LONG RIFLE” and with a Rampant Colt. The right side of the trigger guard is marked “40”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. / PAT. DES. 110 887”. The butt is marked “MT8692”. The correct magazine is included, with markings described below in “Box, Paperwork & Accessories”.
Barrel Length: 6 5/8″ Heavy Barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge style blade fixed to a mount on the barrel by two pins. The rear sight is a square notched leaf dovetail set to the frame adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The one piece checkered walnut grip is of the ‘Elephant Ear’ style. The checkering is within diamond shaped borders and a Rampant Colt medallion is visible on each side. Scattered minor handling marks are present on the grip and mild wear is visible in the checkering. These grips are notorious for breaking below the heel, though these have not broken. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is only barely worn. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is some finish loss, primarily at the muzzle. The flats show light scratching and marking which is expected with this fragile finish, again, this is heaviest at the muzzle. There is minor edge wear throughout, most notably at the backstrap, leading edges of the barrel and the edges of the slide. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. We did not fire this handgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in the original box, serial numbered on the back side by hand. The box is tattered a bit, but still complete and the majority of the corners are still sound. There is some tape on the front of the box and some gum stuck on the bottom. The original magazine is included, marked “COLT WOODSMAN / CAK .22 L.R. / MATCH TARGET MOD.”. The magazine retains about 80% original finish. Also included is: The original hang tag (with string broken), Shooting Suggestions Brochure, Instructions Manual and the original Serial Numbered Test Target. The paperwork is all readable though discolored and would rate in about Good condition. Please use the pictures to properly assess the accessories.
Our Assessment: This Woodsman 1st Series Match Target “Bulls Eye” target pistol is in Fine condition and features the sought after ‘Elephant Ear’ style grip, with the original box & magazine and much of the original paperwork still retained. The pistol itself exhibits marks from use, but no signs of abuse. About 95% of the metal finish remains and only moderate wear in the checkering and light marks appear on the grip. Only 16000 of these pistols were manufactured between 1938 and 1944, making this a fabulous Colt Collectors’ piece. This gun is far better than the average and while the condition makes that obvious, the most desirable part is the paperwork & box. We tell collectors that everyone kept the gun, but almost no one kept the box and paperwork – this original owner did and some lucky collector will be grateful that they did

1st Series Colt Woodsman Match Target 'Bulls Eye' Target Pistol Elephant Ear Grips, Box & Paperwork, MFD 1940 C&R
1st Series Colt Woodsman Match Target ‘Bulls Eye’ Target Pistol Elephant Ear Grips, Box & Paperwork, MFD 1940 C&R