Colt Woodsman 1st Series 22 LR Sport Model Semi Auto Pistol & Box, MFD 1936 C&R

LSB#: 140512TA10 
Make: Colt 
Model: 1st Series Woodsman Sport Model 
Serial Number: 105649 
Year of Manufacture: 1936 
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle 
Action Type: Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine. 
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A. / PAT’D DEC. 22, 1903. AUG. 27, 1918. SEPT. 3, 1918”. The front of the frame is stamped “THE WOODSMAN”. The left side of the slide is stamped with “COLT” and “AUTOMATIC / CAL. 22 LONG RIFLE” and a Rampant Colt logo. The front of the grip is stamped “105649”. The left front of the trigger guard is stamped with an “X” and “VP” inside a triangle. The right front of the trigger guard is stamped “99”. 
Barrel Length: The round tapered barrel is 4 ½ inches. 
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notched flat topped target sight, dovetailed to the slide, secured with a set screw and adjustable for windage. 
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut lightly stained from oil and use. The checkering is deep, with the points rounded. There is a patch on the right grip where the checkering is present, but worn flat. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: The pistol has a high luster, blued finish. 
Finish Originality: The finish is original. 
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling shows light wear. There is no erosion in the bore. 
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is thinning on the front edges of the barrel and frame, and on the top of the front sight. There is surface loss on the corners of the rear sight, the left corner shows a minor compression mark and there are marks in the finish around the set screw. The left edges of the trigger guard, the right side of the slide and right side of the frame show very light handling marks, with a mark through the finish behind the trigger on the right side. There is a small compression mark on the rear face of the slide just above the frame. The grip panel screw head shows light signs of use. The magazine shows signs of use but functions smoothly. The rear sight adjustment screw heads are deformed. The markings are sharp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine to Excellent condition. 
Mechanics: The action functions properly. The slide moves smoothly and locks up very tightly. The magazine engages and releases easily. We did not fire this handgun. 
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This Woodsman comes in the factory original box with the original manual, “shooting suggestions” sheet and a bench test target from the factory. Also included are a screw driver and a tag indicating that this pistol was fitted with an updated main spring housing, adapting it for use with high velocity lubricated cartridges as well as standard .22 high speed rifle rounds. There is also a small screwdriver for use in adjusting the rear sight. The box is cardboard with a thick black vinyl covering and a cloth hinge between the top and bottom sections. The middle of the box has a white finish with a single area for the pistol and its accessories. The box has end labels that correctly describe the make and model of the pistol. The serial number is printed on the bottom of the box in pencil. The box shows handling marks with spots of surface loss on the corners and one end panel is torn. The middle of the inside of the lid is stained and the upper edges of the bottom section are frayed. The box is in about Very Good condition. The manual shows discoloration along the creases, some of which have worn through. The paper has darkened with age. It is in about Good condition. The test target has been folded and shows minor yellowing from age. The S/N and model of the pistol are marked on the target, which was signed by the inspector. Five rounds were fired at 15 yards, showing a group size of 7/8”. The target is in about Fine condition. The pamphlet and upgrade tag show minor wear and are in excellent condition. The screwdriver shows moderate wear with a small deformity on one corner of the blade. 
Our Assessment: The Woodsman was manufactured between 1915 and 1977 and quickly became a very popular seller for Colt. A John Moses Browning design, the short slide, hammerless mechanism created a firearm which was accurate and easy to shoot. This particular 1st Series Woodsman was manufactured in 1936 and was cared for well. It retains 98% of its original finish and comes with the original box and paperwork. This is a fine example of a 1st Issue Woodsman, which remains one of the most well respected .22 Long Rifle semi-automatic pistols ever made. The condition of the pistol and presence of the original box paperwork make it a VERY desirable item for collectors and shooters alike. This pistol shoots as well as any recently manufactured gun, with the gravitas of being one of the most widely praised Colts ever made.