Manufactured in 1932, with its blued barrel and silver plated frame, this factory engraved Officer's Model Target revolver makes for a rather unusual, one-of-a-kind example of pre-World War II Colt artistry. It is the only model of its type manufactured by Colt with a combination of finish. This one-of-a-kind revolver is noted by famed Colt historian and author R.L. Wilson in "The Book of Colt Firearms" on page 355. Wilson wrote, "Full silver plating was used rarely; one pistol was silver plated with blued barrel." In regards to the embellishment, Wilson noted that approximately 20 examples of this model were factory engraved (page 357). The revolver was factory engraved by Master Engraver Wilbur A. Glahn. The revolver was discovered in the 1970s in central Iowa, a prize of that previous collector's possessions, and was featured on the cover of the Summer 1993 issue of Rampant Colt. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped on February 17, 1932 to Dunham, Carrigan & Hayden of San Francisco, California, for Joe Whardon with a 6 inch barrel in .22 caliber, silver plated with blue barrel, factory grade "C" engraving, 3 1/2 inch pull, and type of stocks not listed. This was a single gun shipment. The factory grade "C" engraving consists primarily of scrollwork on finely stippled background. Leaf patterns decorate the underside of the frame. Even the top strap is engraved with the scrollwork pattern. The engraving covers nearly all of the frame aside from the knurled back strap and part of the front strap. The engraving on the barrel includes double bands at the muzzle and floral patterns flanking the two-line Colt legend on top and model/caliber designation on the left side. Scrollwork surround the Rampant Colt marking on the side plate. The revolver is fitted with elevation adjustable front and windage adjustable rear sights. The hammer spur and trigger are checkered. The revolver wears a set of Colt silver medallion ivory grips featuring a relief carved steer head on the right panel. The serial number along with "&" appears on the inside of the frame. The crane is numbered to the gun. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Exceptionally fine, retaining 90% plus original sliver-plated finish and 50% original blue finish with edge wear. The engraving is crisp. The grips are excellent with a few typical age line and very attractive mellow age patina. This is a fully documented, beautiful, one-of-a-kind revolver that is the epitome of pre-WWII Colt craftsmanship and the engravers artistry. This revolver would be the centerpiece of any advanced 20th Century Colt or engraved firearm collection.