Description
This 1953 Colt Government Model is more than a pistol; it’s an heirloom, a canvas brought to life by Master Engraver John Adams Jr., whose mark, “JAII,” rests quietly beneath the right-hand grip. His signature style, rich floral scrollwork, flowing and deliberate, covers nearly every surface, even the magazine baseplate. It’s not just decoration. It’s storytelling in steel.
The left side of the slide carries the classic Rampant Colt and model markings, a visual anchor that ties this custom work back to Colt’s storied lineage. On the right, the Hartford address stands proud, reinforcing authenticity and origin. Every detail, from the script of the engraving to the placement of the serial number, reflects the level of care Colt and Adams poured into this pistol.
This firearm also comes with its original Colt factory letter, documenting its history as part of a ten-gun batch shipped to John J. Tobler Inc. in Union City, New Jersey, on December 23, 1953. Provenance like that doesn’t just add context, it deepens the connection between owner and object.
The grips are smooth and understated, a perfect counterpoint to the ornate engraving. Together, they balance elegance and restraint. And it doesn’t stop there — the pistol is accompanied by its vintage Kraft-style box, complete with a hand-labeled tag matching the gun’s details.
As for the condition? It’s exceptional. Over 99% of the original blued finish remains, the color still deep and rich, with the faintest signs of honest care over the decades. Mechanically sound and aesthetically striking, this 1953 Colt Government Model embodies everything collectors chase: artistry, authenticity, and preservation.
This isn’t just a Colt. It’s a moment in American gunsmithing history frozen in time and flawlessly kept.
