Colt Automatic Pistol Caliber .22 LR Pre-Woodsman Model Semi-Auto 1915 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,701.00

LSB#: LSB260505HE050

Make: Colt

Model: Automatic Pistol, Caliber .22 (Pre-Woodsman)

Serial Number: 150

Year of Manufacture: 1915 / C&R (Colt Serial Number Lookup)

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (the checkered oval “thumbprint” on the backstrap indicated that this pistol was manufactured for standard velocity .22 LR ammunition only)

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine

Magazine Quantity & Condition: 2x 10-round magazines in Fine condition.

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” / “PATENTED DEC. 22, 1903.”. The left side of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC” / “CAL. 22 LONG RIFLE” and a Rampant Colt at the rear. The left front trigger bow is marked with the Verified Proof “VP” and the rear bow is marked with “y”.

Barrel Length: 6 5/8″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a target blade screwed and pinned to a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide and is adjustable for windage.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons. There is verdigris around the escutcheons. There is light handling wear. The checkering is well defined with minor peak loss. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 92% of its current metal finish. There are scratches scattered throughout. There is finish loss at the muzzle and thinning along the barrel. There is thinning along the leading edges of the frame and slide. There is oxidation forming in some of the scratches. The screw head is lightly tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very-Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Flip-top Colt box, paperwork, and 2x 10-round magazines.

Our Assessment:  The Colt Automatic Pistol, Caliber .22 was introduced in 1915 as Colt’s first successful rimfire semi-automatic pistol and the foundation of the celebrated Woodsman series. Designed by John Moses Browning, it used a fixed barrel, simple blowback action, single-action trigger, and ten-round detachable magazine in a slender, exceptionally well-balanced target-pistol configuration. The earliest examples predated adoption of the Woodsman name and are commonly known among collectors as Pre-Woodsman pistols. Early production guns were intended for standard-velocity .22 Long Rifle ammunition, with the checkered oval “thumbprint” on the backstrap identifying the original lower-velocity configuration. Serial number 150 places this pistol among the earliest examples produced, giving it particular interest to advanced Colt and Woodsman collectors.

This exceptionally early 1915 Colt retains approximately 92% of its original blue finish, with scattered scratches, muzzle wear, edge thinning, and localized oxidation. The checkered walnut stocks remain in Very Good condition, while the bright 9/10 bore retains defined rifling without visible erosion. The action functions correctly, and the pistol includes two Fine-condition ten-round magazines, paperwork, and a Colt flip-top box. Its very low serial number, standard-velocity backstrap marking, strong original finish, and complete accessory package make it a particularly appealing example of Colt’s first-generation rimfire automatic. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY