Included in this lot is an early Colt Pre-Woodsman .22 Long Rifle auto pistol. This was Colt’s first .22 Long Rifle auto pistol. Designed by John Browning, it was originally simply called the “Colt Automatic Pistol Caliber .22 Target Model.” In 1927 the name was officially changed to “The Woodsman.” Introduced in 1915 this model had a total of all types manufactured through 1970 in excel of 610,000. The Pre-Woodsman was made for only the first twelve years. It has a ten-round magazine capacity, blue finish, checkered walnut grips and a 6.63 inch barrel. It was designed for.22 Long Rifle standard velocity ammunition. The rear sight was adjustable for windage and the front sight for elevation. This fine example is serial number 48200 and was made in 1926. The Colt catalogue of 1925 summed up the sales points of the pistol, then in its tenth year of commercial popularity: “In the Colt .22 Automatic Target Pistol is to be found the rare combination of qualities making up the ideal small bore arm…Balance, range and accuracy there are for the Target Shooter; simplicity, convenience and killing power for the Hunter and Trapper; while its adaptability to informal practice is a never failing source of enjoyment for the Camper, the Tourist and the Firearms enthusiast…” This Pre-Woodsman displays a fine and rich deep blue overall. The checkered walnut grips show only light edge wear and are not chipped or cracked. All markings are crisp and clear including the iconic rampant Colt emblem on the left side of the frame behind the classic stamping “COLT AUTOMATIC CAL 22 LONG RIFLE” The top of the barrel carries the Colt barrel address stamping plus early patent dates. The mechanism is tight and fully operational with strong springs, original sights, correctly functioning safety and mirror bright bore! The magazine has the correct “two-tone” finish and is stamped on the bottom “CAL 22 COLT.” This is a wonderful, early Colt .22 LR auto pistol made 94 years ago during the Roaring Twenties. This firearm qualifies as a Curio & Relic, and requires FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.