Colt Woodsman Sport .22 LR Semi-Auto Pistol 4.5″ Pre-War, Box & Target 1941
SOLD FOR: $1,333.99
LSB#: LSB250725JM013
Make: Colt Patent Fire Arms Mfg. Co.
Model: Woodsman (Sport)
Serial Number: 139662
Year of Manufacture: 1941 (pre-WWII production)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Blowback
Barrel Length: 4 1/2″ (Sport)
Markings: The slide is roll-marked “COLT AUTOMATIC CAL. 22 LONG RIFLE” with the rampant Colt logo behind the slide serrations. The left side of the frame is lightly stamped “THE WOODSMAN.” The magazine baseplate is stamped “COLT WOODSMAN CAL 22 L.R.” The right side of the barrel shows patent dates. The left front of the trigger-guard area bears Colt’s triangle inspection/proof mark. All markings are period correct and consistent with pre-war Woodsman production and factory inspection.
Barrel / Sights / Optics: Fixed dovetailed front blade; target-style rear sight integral to the slide (Sport configuration). The barrel is the original long-rifle chambered tube and is properly stamped with patent info and serial matching on the underside.
Stock Configuration & Condition: Checkered walnut panels (original pattern) with light handling marks and edge wear consistent with age. Panels fit well; no visible cracks or breaks. The grip frame shows expected handling wear at the mainspring housing and trigger bow edges.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One original magazine present; magazine baseplate marked “COLT WOODSMAN CAL 22 L.R.” Minor finish wear at the edges of the baseplate but threads and floorplate function appear intact.
Type of Finish: High polish blued finish (Colt factory blue).
Finish Originality: Original factory bluing.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore, but there is stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: Overall this Woodsman presents as a strong, honest pre-war Sport example with the majority of its original factory blue intact. There are light handling marks, fine surface scratches, and small edge losses typical of a gun that was used but carefully kept; the original finish is approximately 85%+ retained overall. I believe most of the “wear” is storage wax, and should clean up very nicely, especially higher than 85%. Box shows wear to the corners and label loss, and the red instruction booklet and factory inserts show expected age toning and some staining. The set displays as a complete factory package with attractive collector eye appeal.
Mechanics: The slide cycles freely by hand; the safety, magazine catch, and trigger all operate as expected for a Woodsman. The pistol appears serviceable and correct, and it comes with a factory test target showing a tight 15-yard group. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Accessories: Original purple Colt box with 4½ in. label, red Woodsman instruction manual/insert, factory shooting suggestions leaflet, factory test target (numbered to 139662 and signed by M. Molloy), original cloth wrap, screwdriver/tool punch set, and one original Colt magazine with correctly marked baseplate. The completeness of the paperwork and matching test target materially increases the desirability and value of this offering.
Our Assessment:
This is a highly desirable, complete pre-war Colt Woodsman Sport offering — a tidy 4½” Sport example that retains the essential elements collectors prize: original high-polish blue, correct period magazine with marked baseplate, original grips, and the factory test target and paperwork numbered to the gun. The combination of a pre-war serial, matching test target, and boxed paperwork makes this a top-tier Woodsman set rather than merely a loose pistol.
Functionally, this Woodsman displays as a sound, serviceable pistol for continued gentle use by a shooter or as a centerpiece for a Colt-focused collection. The bore reads exceptionally well, and the moving parts operate normally by hand; the small cosmetic losses are consistent with light use and do not detract from overall originality. For a buyer who wants authenticity and completeness, few examples offer the built-in provenance of a factory target stamped to the serial.
For collectors: this set checks the critical boxes — serial range, correct magazine/baseplate, factory paperwork, and test target — and should be marketed toward Colt Woodsman specialists and rimfire target collectors. Recommended pre-use action for any purchaser is a professional cleaning/inspection and light function check with quality .22 LR ammunition before extended shooting. So bid high and bid firm. I encourage you to take a look at the condition of the revolver in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
