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Model 1908 Vest Pocket Instruction Sheet PDF (1.3MB)
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Colt Model N Special Finishes

Model N Factory Engraved and Silver Plated

Factory Silver Plated and Factory Engraved Model N. This special order gun was shipped to Shelton-Payne Arms Co., El Paso, TX in March 1916 in a two gun shipment. Silver plating was the rarest of the special finishes for the Model N. Of approximately 410,000 guns produced, there were only 64 factory silver plated .25s, only a handful of which were also factory engraved. This gun is sitting on top of its' original factory presentation case.

Model N Factory Engraved and Gold Plated

Model N Gold Plated and Factory Engraved.  The factory letter indicates that it was shipped to Quinn & Company, Providence, RI on October 6, 1925 as a one gun shipment with the features "Grips: Pearl, Finish: Gold, Engraved: Yes."  The work was processed on factory order number 10227/1.  This is an unusual gun in that it is pictured in the Book of Colt Engraving as a factory engraved nickel plated gun with a pair of factory carved steer head mother-of-pearl grips.  Apparently a recent owner wanted to make the finish of the gun match the finish erroneously stated in the factory letter and had the gun gold plated.

Model N Gold Plated and Factory Engraved - Serial number 68443 sold and shipped to Wm. G. Rolston, May 20, 1912.  This pistol has mother-of-pearl Colt grips that have been embellished with "W R" and the date 1912.  In addition, the grips have rather crude cuts along the edge of each grip, presumably to improve the shooters grip on the pistol. 

The grips are factory and while the monogram appears to be period work, it is not confirmed in the factory letter.  Additionally, the crude cuts along the edge of the grips are not characteristic of Colt factory work.
Colt 1908 Vest Pocket .25 ACP serial number 357140 - pistol is gold plated and had factory mother of pearl grips with gold plated flush medallions.  Most of the gold has been worn away and gold remains in protected areas.
Colt 1908 Vest Pocket .25 ACP serial number 357140 - gold present inside the trigger area.
Colt 1908 Vest Pocket .25 ACP serial number 357140 - right side
Colt 1908 Vest Pocket .25 ACP serial number 357140 - gold plating on frame above grip safety.
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