1st Series Colt Woodsman Match Target ‘Bulls Eye’ Target Pistol Elephant Ear Grips & Case, MFD 1939 C&R

LSB#: 150320MC02
Make: Colt’s PT. F.A. MFG. Co.
Model: 1st Series ‘Bullseye’ Woodsman Match Target
Serial Number: MT5583
Year of Manufacture: 1939
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 “P” / a Triangle “VP” proof. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / 22 LONG RIFLE” and with a Rampant Colt. The right side of the trigger guard is marked “54”. 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 “MT5583”.
Barrel Length: 6 5/8” Heavy Round 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 moderate wear is visible in the checkering. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 88% of its metal finish. A thin ring of finish loss is present at the edge of the muzzle. Dense marks through the finish are visible along the forward 2” of the right side of the barrel and a scratch through the finish can be found on the right side of the barrel. Marks in the finish are evident in the forward 1” of the left side of the barrel and an area of surface freckling is apparent at about the midway point. Scattered small marks through finish appear on the underside of the barrel and a patch of finish loss can be seen on the right side of the frame. Minor marks are present on the slide. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The pistol is equipped with one 10-round magazine. The floor plate is marked “COLT WOODSMAN / CAL .22 L.R. / MATCH TARGET MOD.” The magazine is in Fine condition. The pistol is housed in a faux snake skin covered pressed board case with nickel latch and hinges. The case exhibits minor marks from use. The inside of the lid and pistol compartment floor are lined in brown corduroy. The accessory compartment floor is covered in faux snake skin. Marks from contact with the pistol and accessories are present. The case is in Very Good to Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This Woodsman 1st Series Match Target “Bulls Eye” target pistol is in Very Good condition and features the sought after ‘Elephant Ear’ style grip. The pistol itself exhibits marks from use, but no signs of abuse. About 88% 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.

1st Series Colt Woodsman Match Target 'Bulls Eye' Target Pistol Elephant Ear Grips & Case, MFD 1939 C&R
1st Series Colt Woodsman Match Target ‘Bulls Eye’ Target Pistol Elephant Ear Grips & Case, MFD 1939 C&R