MINT Colt Woodsman 1st Series 4 1/2″ .22 LR Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1941 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,004.97
LSB#: 191119WD01
Make: Colt
Model: Woodsman Sport Model First Series
Serial Number: 151681
Year of Manufacture: 1941 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup), shipped January 1942.
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / CAL. .22 LONG RIFLE” and with the Rampant Colt logo. The left side of the frame at the chamber is marked “THE WOODSMAN”. The left of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. / PAT’D DEC. 22, 1903. AUG. 27, 1918. SEPT. 3, 1918.”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with a “T” and “VP” in a triangle. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “25”. The front strap is marked with the serial number, found again marked on the bottom of the slide.
Barrel Length: 4 1/2”.
Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a flat topped square notch that is screw adjustable for windage with a locking screw on the top and dovetailed into the slide. The front sight is a serrated ramp blade with a rounded front, fixed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The grips show only minor handling wear with very lightly worn, nearly sharp checkers. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. The breech-face and front face of the slide each have minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The pistol has a crisp trigger pull and the slide has almost no play to the frame while still sliding smoothly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to fulfill your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in a black cardboard Colt box with model-matching label and serial number written in pencil on the bottom, manual, green hang-tag and a single 10-round magazine. The box is a reproduction, but the manual, hang tag and magazine appear original. The box has no notable wear or damage, in about Excellent condition as not original. The manual shows some light wear and discoloration from age. The magazine has minor operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Fine condition. Also included is a Colt Archives letter which details the shipping date and features of the pistol. The letter has had the address information of the person who ordered it removed, but otherwise is in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: The Colt Woodsman was made in three different series starting in 1927. Of note is the fact that Colt changed the magazine release from the bottom (1st Series) to the left side (2nd Series) and then back again to the bottom in the 3rd series. This pistol is a 1st Series, made after the main spring housing change to accept high-velocity ammunition (serrated, not checkered). The Colt Woodsman pistols were prized for their accuracy and the quality of workmanship put into them, making them a favorite of the target shooters in their day, and it wouldn’t surprise us if this pistol could outshoot most of the rimfire autos being made today. This pistol is in Excellent condition, with nearly all of its finish left; this is impressive for production in late 1941. It did not see much use, we’re unsure of its history but it was clearly stored and cared for responsibly. While the included box is a reproduction, the manual and hang tag appear original and a Colt Letter is also included. This is a collector’s wish come true and will be a prized piece for the lucky winner. Please see our photos and good luck!