Colt Arkansas Special Edition 1 of 200 Service Model Ace .22 Pistol, 1978
SOLD FOR: $1725
LSB#: 210217SR04
Make: Colt
Model: Arkansas Special Edition Service Model Ace, 1 of 200
Serial Number: SM14519
Year of Manufacture: 1978 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic with Exposed Hammer and Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT”, “SERVICE / MODEL”, gold “ACE” in diamond, “.22”, “LONG / RIFLE” and with a rampant colt. The right of the slide is marked “1 OF 200” in gold and “ACE” in diamond. The right of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A. / SM14519”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “R” and “VP” in triangle.
Barrel Length: 4 ¾”
Sights / Optics: The pistol has a flat-topped, square notched rear sight pinned to the rear of the slide, screw adjustable for windage and elevation. The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the slide. The top of the slide has a smooth integral rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece pewter with scroll engraving at their tops and bottoms. The left has a raised “ACE” in diamond over “1 OF 200”. The insides are marked “LEFT” and “RIGHT” respectively, the inside of the right panel is also marked “Designed Expressly For / COLT FIREARMS CUSTOM SHOP / by Sid Bell – Tully NY ’78”. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only some minor discoloration from age and light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains approximately 98% of its current metal finish. There are only a few scattered minor marks and faint operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp and the slide has very little play to the frame. This pistol has the floating chamber used on the Service Ace. There is a manual safety as well as a grip safety and the hammer has a half-cock notch. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in a wood presentation case with a single 10-round magazine. The case has a plate on the top with an outline of Arkansas around “ARKANSAS”, “ACE” in diamond and “Special Edition / 1 of 200”. The interior is lined with red velvet, fitted for the pistol. The case has light storage wear with a few scattered light scratches and scuffs, in about Fine condition. The magazine has light operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This is one of 200 Service Model Ace pistols made by Colt as a Special Edition to commemorate the state of Arkansas. Housed in a nice presentation case and in Excellent condition, this is a rare Ace variant that is also very attractive. It will make a great addition to a Colt collection, especially for someone from “The Natural State”. Please see our photos and good luck!