1937 Colt ACE 22LR w/ Box and Colt Archive Letter

This 1937 Colt Ace is chambered in .22lr is offered with the serial numbered matched box, bore brush, serial number matched test target, Colt Factory pamphlets, and Colt Factory Archive letter. The Ace made its market debut in 1931, originally ordered by chief of Ordnance in 1913, Springfield armory was to develop a .22 caliber pistol dedicated to training, for confidence and better marksmanship among troops. Many .22 caliber gallery pistols were developed, along with attempts at converting M1911 service models before the final design by Colt was achieved.  

This Colt Ace finished in blue, wears checkered walnut grips, and its high edges are sharp throughout. The finish is brilliant and only shows extremely minor handling marks at close examination. The front sight is a serrated ramped blade, and the rear sight adjustable flat top and square notch. The hammer spur, rear thumb safety, magazine catch, trigger, mainspring housing and slide stop all show sharp checkering. 

The slide markings on the left side of the pistol are Colt’s two-line address and patent dates. On the top line “COLT’S PT F.A. MFG CO HARTFORD, CT U.S.A.” and below “PAT’D APR. 20, 1897, SEPT. 9, 1902, DEC. 19, 1905, FEB 14, 1911. AUG 19, 1913.” The Rampant Colt can be seen behind the slide serrations on the left side. A triangular in cased “VP” below a “p” on the left trigger bow. The right side of the slide reads “COLT ACE .22 LONG RIFLE”, “ACE” encased in a diamond. On the left side of the frame the serial number “8100” is stamped behind the slide stop button. 

This ACE has sharp leading edges, on both the slide and the muzzle. The front sight shows straight edges with no silvering. The bore is bright and shows sharp rifling. The single included ACE magazine is two tones, the top half un-finished “in the white.”

Included with the sale of this 1937 Colt Ace is the purple box, serial number in pencil on the bottom side matched to the gun. The box edges and corners are intact, showing the edge wear primarily at the corners. The label reads “COLT AUTOMATIC PISTOL” “ACE” in diamond “.22 long rifle”. The factory target, and additional factory papers are in excellent condition.  

The Colt Factory Archive letter included states this Ace shipped to Morely Murphy Company, of Green Bay Wisconsin on August 28, 1937, in a single gun shipment.