Coltautos.com Gun of the Month - September 2014
Early Colt Woodsman 1st Series Target .22 LR 6.5" Blue
Serial Number 55070 (1927) medium barrel
Owned by firearms inventor Charles J. Jolidon

Colt Woodsman Target Pistol .22 LR Serial Number 55070 - An early Model S "Woodsman" in very nice condition.  This pistol belonged to firearms inventor Charles J. Jolidon as it was obtained by the previous owner directly from Charles J. Jolidon's son, Charles F. Jolidon. 

Charles J. Jolidon was a designer of guns and gun improvements and held many patents in his name that were used by Colt and other firearms manufacturers.  This Woodsman was accompanied by two original US Patents issued to Charles J. Jolidon: U.S. Patent 1310397 and U.S. Patent 1382197 (pictured with the Colt above and separately below.)

Charles F. Jolidon told the previous owner that Colt gave him this gun, along with custom Colt grips made to his hand.  Accompanying the gun is a letter from the Colt Historian indicating that they were able to find any shipping information on this gun (which is consistent with there being no VP (Colt's Verified Proof Mark) on the upper left flat of the trigger guard. 

The inside of the box (which is later than the gun) has the initials "CJ" in pencil.

Pistol has the following features:

• early slide markings with Colt horse located to the right of the left side slide serrations

• checkered pattern mainspring housing

• medium barrel with the latest patent date of 1918

• custom target grips

• smooth trigger centered in trigger guard

Colt Woodsman Target Pistol .22 LR Serial Number 55070 - right side.

Colt Woodsman Target Pistol .22 LR Serial Number 55070 - Left side markings "THE WOODSMAN".  Notice how "VP" mark in upside down triangle is missing.

Colt Woodsman Target Pistol .22 LR Serial Number 55070 - Left side view.

Colt Woodsman Target Pistol .22 LR Serial Number 55070 - Bottom of magazine marked "CAL. 22" over "COLT".

Colt Woodsman Target Pistol .22 LR Serial Number 55070 - pistol with custom target grips removed.

Charles J. Jolidon: U.S. Patent 1310397.

Charles J. Jolidon: U.S. Patent 1382197

Colt Woodsman Target Pistol .22 LR Serial Number 55070 - Right side close-up showing color case hardened extractor.

Colt Woodsman Target Pistol .22 LR Serial Number 55070 - Checkered pattern mainspring housing indicating that gun is designed to fire standard velocity ammunition.

Colt Woodsman Target Pistol .22 LR Serial Number 55070 - Pencil barrel with the latest patent date of September 3, 1918.

Colt Woodsman Target Pistol .22 LR Serial Number 55070 - Serial number 55070 stamped inside the slide.

Colt Woodsman Target Pistol .22 LR Serial Number 55070 - Serial number 55070 stamped on front grip strap.

Colt Woodsman Target Pistol .22 LR Serial Number 55070 - Close-up of adjustable front sight with fire blue retaining screws.

Colt Woodsman Target Pistol .22 LR Serial Number 55070 - Close-up of adjustable front sight with fire blue retaining screws.

Colt Woodsman Target Pistol .22 LR Serial Number 55070 - Close-up of adjustable rear sight.

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