| The first factory engraved and gold inlaid Colt Model N Serial
Number 9918 – Factory “master” engraved, featuring 17 gold
inlays and relief carved monogrammed mother-of-pearl grips bearing the
monogram “JAB”. This is the first of only seven gold inlaid Model N
pistols produced and these are the first monogrammed grips to
appear on a Model N pistol. Additionally, it is one of only two factory
engraved and gold inlaid Model Ns recorded in Colt’s shipping ledgers.
This pistol was a product of the Cuno Helfricht shop with the grip
monogram attributable to Cuno Helfricht.
Perhaps the most unique aspect of engraving on this pistol is that
when the work was performed, no pre-defined styles of engraving existed for
the Model N. It was a one gun shipment to Birmingham Arms Company, Birmingham,
Alabama on May 14, 1909 for J.A. Blount. (One of the three guns
featured on the cover of the Rampant
Colt magazine.) |
