Factory engraved Colt Match Target Woodsman, Bullseye Model

Only 11 of the First Series Match Target Woodsmans are known to have been factory engraved, and of those only 2 are noted in the record as being inscribed. These two were shipped to two brothers in Mason City IA in January, 1939 and each was inscribed with the name of one of the brothers. After many years of separation the pair is united again in this collection.

This one was for J. Emerson Decker.
Colt shipping records confirm that his name was factory inscribed on top of the barrel.

Period Mother of Pearl grips added by current owner. It came to me lacking the original grips,
and it is not presently known what type of grips the pistol was fitted with when originally shipped
from Colt. It probably did not have the typical wrap-around "Elephant Ear" grips, however,
because they would have covered the engraving on the front strap. (Above)