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Stunning George Spring Engraved & Gold-Inlaid Colt National Match 38 Special Mid-Range Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:5,500.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Stunning George Spring Engraved & Gold-Inlaid Colt National Match 38 Special Mid-Range Pistol
serial #6460-MR, 38 Special Mid-Range, 5'' barrel with a bright excellent bore. This is a spectacular 1970-made MKIII pistol engraved by George Spring, who started working as a master engraver at Colt around 1975. This pistol is profusely engraved in nearly 100% coverage with the very finest flowing foliate scrollwork that shows lovely detail and matted background shading, the shading transitioning to punch-dots along the top of the slide and undersides of the frame. There are beautiful foliate borders and fan-like motifs around the triggerguard and foliate scroll even graces the exposed area of the barrel. The wonderful embellishments are further enhanced by delicate gold line border inlays, serial number inlaid in gold and the slide lock, manual safety and grip safety with lovely gold crosshatching. The pistol is neatly signed ''SPRING'' on the right side of the frame beneath the grip panel and the original factory markings are intact and strong. The metal surfaces retain about 97-98% excellent quality restored polished blue, the only loss due to some very sparsely scattered minor oxidation speckles only really noticeable upon close inspection and under bright light. The pistol wears a set of handsome smooth ivory grips that remain in excellent condition showing some nice grain striations throughout. The original target sights with adjustable Elliason rear are intact and one original magazine is included. The pistol also appears to have seen some custom fitting of the slide, frame and barrel bushing by a gunsmith as the tolerances are now extremely tight. This is an exceptional Colt from a well-respected and truly skilled artist. (13F11759-30) {C&R} (8,000/12,000)